County Community Plenary records significant attendance

 

Roscommon’s Public Participation Network (PPN) hosted a successful County Plenary Meeting and networking event for community groups in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Wednesday 26th November. The independent network is facilitated and co-funded by Roscommon County Council in association with the Department of Rural & Community Development and the Gaeltacht, alongside the PPN Secretariat. The theme of the Plenary was “Together for Sustainable, Inclusive and Informed Communities”.

 

The event, chaired by Paul Clabby, PPN Officer with Roscommon County Council attracted a strong turnout of community groups. Attendees were updated on various network developments, funding opportunities and the range of local supports and services available. The importance of community engagement, building resilience and strategic development were just some of the topics highlighted over the course of the evening. Proceedings opened with an introductory showcase of local stakeholders, facilitated by Jody Moylan of the Council’s PPN Unit.

 

Welcoming participants, Vincent Moran, Chairperson of Roscommon PPN, and Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, emphasised the central role of the PPN in strengthening community capacity and connecting local groups with the Council. They both outlined the importance of communities participating in local decision making and enabling groups to access Local Authority funding. Mr. Tiernan also commented on how the PPN supports the formulation of key local policies through the nomination of community representatives onto local decision-making structures including Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) and the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

 

The event featured a keynote address from Dr. Maura Farrell, guest speaker and lecturer with the University of Galway with expertise in Rural Development, Agriculture and Geography. Dr. Farrell delivered a motivational address to attendees, highlighting the importance of community engagement, representation and participation in local development. Dr. Farrell also put a spotlight on both the challenges and opportunities facing communities and the need for continued collaboration amongst all community stakeholders.

 

A highlight of the event was the formal launch of Roscommon PPN’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, an ambitious five-year roadmap outlining the network’s goals, vision, and aspirations. The launch was facilitated by Niall Croghan, PPN Secretariat member, together with Maria Hall, Planning Consultant and CEO of Hub Planning, who summarised the plan’s development and officiated its unveiling.

 

The event concluded with a distinguished presentation honouring County Roscommon’s entrants in the 2025 Irish Pride of Place Awards.