Cavan PPN Winter Community Conference — Partnership, Progress and People
- Breffni Integrated
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
7 NOV, 2025, 7:00 - 9:30 PM
The Market House, Main Street, Ballyconnell, County Cavan
Cavan Public Participation Network (PPN) held its annual Winter Community Conference this evening in partnership with Cavan County Local Development (CCLD). The event brought together representatives from community, voluntary, environmental and social inclusion groups across the county to celebrate progress, share updates, and plan for the future.
The evening reflected the shared purpose of both organisations — building stronger, more connected communities where local voices influence local decisions.
Opening Address — Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley
The evening began with a warm welcome and opening remarks from Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Councillor John Paul Feeley.
As the youngest of seven from West Cavan and a qualified solicitor, Cllr. Feeley has long been an advocate for rural development, volunteering with the Killinagh Community Council, St. Vincent de Paul, and several other community groups.
In his address, he emphasised the importance of local participation and volunteerism, recognising the PPN as “the heartbeat of civic engagement in County Cavan.”
Report from Cavan PPN — 2025 in Review
Daniel Downey, Coordinator of Cavan PPN, shared a comprehensive report on the network’s achievements in 2025 — a year he described as “challenging but deeply productive.”
Key highlights included:
272 one-to-one supports delivered to local groups in the first six months.
Nine representative elections successfully conducted for Strategic Policy Committees.
10% membership growth achieved by April, surpassing the annual target.
Office relocation to the CCLD building, strengthening partnership and accessibility.
Appointment of a Networking Officer, enhancing community connections.
Hosting 3 Community Meitheals, 2 Plenary Conferences, and 3 Pillar events, plus representation at 3 major public showcases.
11 of 21 workplan projects completed, with 5 additional arising needs added during the year.
A notable milestone was the collaboration with the Irish Environmental Network for Biodiversity Week on Turbet Island — a project that highlighted both Cavan’s natural heritage and the PPN’s capacity for national partnership.
Guest Speakers — Insights from National Voices
Ger Deering, The National Ombudsman
At 8.00pm, the conference welcomed Ger Deering, National Ombudsman, who delivered an engaging presentation on the role of his office in supporting fairness, transparency, and public accountability.
Having previously served as Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, the first Commissioner for Taxi Regulation, and founding Director of the National Employment Rights Authority, Mr. Deering drew on decades of experience to show how open communication and accessible systems empower citizens to hold public bodies to account.
“Good governance begins with trust — and trust grows from being heard.”
— Ger Deering, Ombudsman
At 8.20pm, the conference heard from Social Justice Ireland (SJI) — an independent think-tank and advocacy organisation dedicated to advancing social equity and sustainability.
Representatives from SJI reminded attendees that the organisation was instrumental in the original design of the Public Participation Network model, aimed at enhancing community empowerment and participatory democracy at the local level.
Their address highlighted the importance of inclusive policy-making, fair distribution of resources, and the need to align local actions with the national sustainability agenda.
“True community empowerment happens when every voice — no matter how small — can help shape policy.”
— Social Justice Ireland
A Q&A session followed, allowing local representatives to engage directly with both national speakers on issues of governance, representation, and social justice.
Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) was delighted to co-host this evening’s event, reaffirming our ongoing partnership with Cavan PPN.
Throughout 2025, CCLD and PPN have worked side by side to support community development across County Cavan. The co-location of PPN offices within the CCLD building has created a hub for collaboration — ensuring that local groups can access both participatory and developmental supports under one roof.
Together, we have:
Delivered hands-on support and training to voluntary and community organisations.
Co-hosted events that strengthen representation and networking.
Partnered on environmental and inclusion initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Enhanced communication between community leaders, local government, and development agencies.
As Cavan PPN unveils its Strategic Plan 2026–2028, CCLD remains committed to working in tandem to:
Build stronger local networks.
Expand access to resources and training.
Empower citizens to shape their communities and local policies.
“Partnership is about more than proximity — it’s about shared purpose. Together, CCLD and Cavan PPN are creating a stronger, fairer, and more connected County Cavan.”
— Cavan County Local Development
Closing & Community Spirit
The evening concluded with a performance by the Cavan County Choir, followed by tea, coffee, and networking. The atmosphere reflected the strength and warmth of community life in County Cavan — a testament to the volunteers, staff, and local leaders who make civic participation possible.
Call to Action
If your community, voluntary, environmental, or social inclusion group is not yet a member of Cavan PPN, now is the time to join. Membership is free and offers access to training, funding opportunities, and representation across county decision-making structures.
📩 Email: info@cavanppn.ie
🌐 Visit: www.cavanppn.ie