Kerry Public Participation Network (PPN) has today (Monday) issued an invitation to community and voluntary groups in Kerry to join their local PPN and help build a better future for the county.

The call-out comes as a new national brand identity and awareness campaign for Public Participation Networks was launched by Minister for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien in Dublin this week.

Each county and city in Ireland has its own PPN. Kerry PPN is one of 31 that have been established in all local authority areas in the State, and its membership stands at 957 organisations. Nationally, more than 18,000 community and voluntary groups are currently members of a PPN.

Public Participation Networks allow local authorities to connect with community groups around their county. PPNs give people a greater say in local Government decisions that affect their communities.

“Joining Kerry Public Participation Network is a fantastic way of getting involved in local decision-making and contributing to a thriving community," William Morrell, a member of Kerry PPN, said.

"The groups in our PPN are at the heart of local policymaking and have a voice in the policies that impact our local community. Kerry PPN held meetings throughout the county to ascertain the issues people with disabilities face in our society and how we can affect change. The document produced, ‘Access for All’, is being used as an input to all major and minor decisions in the county.

“Kerry PPN regularly hosts events and trainings for its members; shares information on funding, grants and proposals or decisions being made in the county. It’s also a great opportunity to network and meet other community groups in the area. We want our PPN to be representative of the people of Kerry in all their diversity and invite all community and voluntary groups in the county to visit our website and find out how to join us.”

For further information, visit www.Kerryppn.ie.