The DLR PPN Spring Meeting 2025 took place on the 25th of March in the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan Road. The Secretariat and staff were delighted more than 75 participants for a very productive meeting – see meeting agenda below.

AGENDA

7.00 – 7.10 pm – Registration
7.10 – 7.30 pm – Networking and Refreshments (hot finger food, tea and coffee)
7.30pm – 7.40pm – Welcome and updates about the DLR PPN
7.40 – 8.00pm – DLR PPN 2024 Annual Report
DLR PPN 2025 Workplan and Budget
DLR PPN Updated Policies

DLR PPN Ratifying the new PPN reps

8.00 – 8.40pm – Priorities for the DLR PPN members in 2025 with Guest speaker Ellanora Lynch

8.40pm – AOB
8.45pm – Close of meeting

DLR PPN Manager, Simone Sav, welcomed the participants and presented a few important updates about the DLR PPN activity, which included a brief impact report for 2024, which was ratified by the members, an update in relation to the new host for PPN upcoming events and training opportunities – see below.

• Between 2015 and January 2025, DLR PPN was hosted by Southside Partnership DLR. Department of Rural and Community Development have been proactive in supporting the PPN to find a new hosting organisation starting August 2024.
• Since February 2025, the PPN has been hosted by the dlr Chamber.
• We are excited about the new collaboration, and we wish to thank the Secretariat members for all their commitment, hard work and continuous support in making the transition as smooth as possible.

The updates were followed by a synopsis of the Workplan 2025 and the Budget 2025, which were ratified.

WORKPLAN 2025 – Back to the Basics

1.PPN Representatives

• Training and one-to-one support
• Consulting the community about the priorities
• Clarifying the mandate for the reps (Vision for Community Wellbeing, Strategic Plan 2024-2028 and Linkage consultation during the Plenaries)
• Networking

2. Training 

• Collaboration with Dublin City PPN (Spring and Autumn)
• LGBTQ+ Awareness and Resource Signposting (collaboration with dlrCC) taking place during Bealtaine Festival, Pride Month and Festival of Inclusion
• Once again, the three active Dublin PPNs will be collaborating with DCU to bring you PPN Summer School 2025, 26-29 May.  Format will remain required, that of 2024, with in person workshops on campus Monday to Thursday with online events in the evenings. With a Networking Lunch on the Thursday. Registration will be required, and you can register for individual events.  Details will be sent by email. Certificate to all who complete the training. Guest Speaker confirmed: Jake Ryan, Principal Officer from the DRCD – Monday evening online session.

3. Communications in line with 5-year Plan

• PPN Ezine will be produced once every 2 months
• Submissions will be made via online form
• Submission of around 250 words
• 1 Image
• Additional document with full details may be uploaded this can also contain additional images
• Members will categorise their submission (e.g. Community Event, Climate Action Initiatives, Irish Language, Funding, etc. )
• News Bulletin published on website on regular basis
• Community Connections Radio Program to continue
• Review of Social Media platforms we use

4. Climate and Environment Awareness

• Specific training on Sustainable Energy Communities
• Liaising with dlrCC in relation to relevant initiatives

5. Community Integration Forum

• Specific training on Misinformation, Multiculturalism, LGTBQ+ (youth, Age Friendly)

6. Governance – updating the PPN Policies
7. Budget 2025 

The following policies, that were updated due to the move to the new host were ratified by the members:

• Code of Conduct
• Data Protection Policy
• Election Policy
• Complaints Policy
• Expenses Policy
• Financial Policy
•  Representatives Charter

PPN representatives on the new SPCs 2024-2029, as well as two new members of the Secretariat, were ratified by the members:

The evening went on with a consultation process on the priorities for 2025 and beyond, led by the guest speaker, Ellenora Lynch. The priorities identified, in conjunction with the DLR PPN Vision for Community Wellbeing Statement and the Five Year Plan 2024-2028 will help create the mandate for the PPN reps.

The meeting concluded at 8.45pm. The Autumn Networking Meeting will take place in November 2025, date TBC. The DLR PPN Secretariat and staff would like to thank all the members who participated and look forward to the Autumn Networking Meeting.