Background on Linkage Groups
Linkage Groups are the way that PPN Member Groups can have a real input into policy in their area of operation. Linkage Groups bring together organisations with a common interest to discuss their views and interests in a specific policy area linked to a Committee or Board with PPN Representation.
Each Member Group is encouraged to join one or more of the PPN’s Linkage Groups. These are specific-purpose sub-groups of the PPN matched to Local Authority Committees or Boards and other agencies in the Local Authority area.
Linkage Groups may also input into consultations on behalf of the PPN. This helps the Member Groups to gain a deeper understanding of the local policy process as they get to discuss the work of these Boards or Committees with the Representative, provide inputs for the Representative to carry forward at their meetings and get feedback from the Representative.
Each Linkage Group has a facilitator who manages meetings and the work plan of each group. The Facilitators are appointed for 3 years and will receive formal training focusing on skills for encouraging participation and managing meetings and hosting events.
The training will give facilitators the competence and confidence to chair, convene and conduct meetings and influence decision making at local level.
Leitrim PPN hopes to set up 3 Linkage Groups, namely:-
Social Inclusion, Disability, Rural Development, Peace and Reconciliation Linkage Group
This linkage group will focus on bringing together PPN members to advocate on these issues through proposing policy solutions to the relevant bodies. Members of this linkage group will include:
PPN members with an interest in the topical areas.
All PPN Reps who sit on the LCDC (5).
All PPN Reps who sit on PEACEPlus (4).
This Linkage Group will also elect representatives to the Leitrim Development Company Board. When elected, these representatives also become members of the Linkage Group by default.
Climate Action, Environment, Heritage and Biodiversity
Environment SPC, Heritage Forum and Biodiversity Forum representatives (if any) should sit on this Linkage Group.
Planning, Transport and Housing
Housing SPC, Planning SPC and other relevant representatives (if any) should sit on this Linkage Group
Apply now
On the next page, you can fill out your details to become a Linkage Group Facilitator for one of the three Linkage Groups above.