“On foot of correspondence received by Elected Members from the PPN regarding the new PPN Handbook launched last November and with particular reference to Municipal District PPN- Managing the Member database/PPN Points of Contact, I am calling on Roscommon County Council to seek clarification from the Department of Rural and Community Development whether Members must remove themselves as points of Contact from Community Groups or is this is a guideline only. I further seek clarification on what basis Elected Representatives can be instructed not to participate at Community Level with their groups and the PPN as points of contact”

The Meetings administrator read the following reply:

This motion requires the support of the Council.

Cllr. Ward stated that the was bringing this motion forward on foot of correspondence received in February 2021 from the PPN that was issued to all councillors. He questioned if the PPN was fit for purpose on the basis of the information in the email or does the PPN need to revitalised and look again at its purpose in the county.  Councillors have always worked with and for community groups and have helped them to grow and become part of the group. Councillors are elected democratically by the people to work for the people and that includes community groups. Cllr. Naughten supported Cllr Ward and stated it is important that clarification is sought on the points raised by him. Cllr Byrne stated that groups need assistance from councillors in preparing grant applications etc. To add to the difficulties experienced by some groups, they have had to reregister again with the PPN.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Ward

SECONDED by Cllr. Naughten

It was AGREED on foot of correspondence received by Elected Members from the PPN regarding the new PPN Handbook launched last November and with particular reference to Municipal District PPN- Managing the Member database/PPN Points of Contact, to write to the Department of Rural and Community Development to seek clarification whether Members must remove themselves as points of Contact from Community Groups or is this is a guideline only. I further seek clarification on what basis Elected Representatives can be instructed not to participate at Community Level with their groups and the PPN as points of contact.