By Staff Reporter

The Fingal Public Participation Network (FPPN) held its second training seminar on ‘understanding local government and influencing policy’ as part of its autumn training programme recently.

The network, Fingal’s framework for public engagement, provides a structure for information exchange between Fingal County Council and local community, voluntary and environmental groups. Members sit on decision-making committees and participate in policy-making and plans for the future development of the county.

IT Blanchardstown hosted the seminar as part of its civic engagement programme, with 26 community and voluntary groups from across Fingal in attendance. 

Brian Buckley of corporate services at Fingal County Council opened with a session on the structure and role of the council. Sara Bourke and Sean Healy from Social Justice Ireland also generated much discussion, exploring how best to influence policy.

Following lunch, participants chose between a planning legislation workshop by Odran Reid of DIT or a climate change workshop presented by Feargal Murphy of environmental awareness at Fingal County Council.

Further training seminars have also been organised for 2016, on the Charities Act and governance on Wednesday 16 November and funding on Wednesday 30 November.

To get involved or to book a place on an upcoming seminar email ppn@fingal.ie. Find out more at www.fingalppn.ie.