An updated second version of ‘A Guide for Inclusive Community Engagement in Local Planning and Decision Making’ was launched this week.
The guide includes resources to help local organisations to ensure that all voices are heard, with training to be provided to local authorities and other stakeholders.
The launch was held this week at an event showcasing the learnings from the project, which developed and tested strategies to assist marginalised and disadvantaged communities to be heard in local planning and decision-making processes.
The guide builds on the original version by using feedback from three pilot programmes.
It was also updated to include additional case studies and resources to support local authorities as well as any organisations engaged in planning and decision-making at a local level.
Minister of State, with responsibility for Community Development, Charities and Integration, Joe O’Brien commented: “I’ve said this before and will continue to say it – the best decisions are those we make together, where all are given the opportunity to share their perspectives and I am delighted that the process is dynamic and flexible so that we can adapt and improve as we learn what works best.
“I urge everyone here today to bring this guide back to their organisations, use it, champion it and embed it in your work.”
The guide builds on Ireland’s commitment to the Sustainable Development principle of ‘Leave no one behind’, and has been developed by the Department together with Pobal, Community Work Ireland, as well as members of the Irish Local Development Network and local government.
‘A Guide for Inclusive Community Engagement in Local Planning and Decision Making [Second Edition]’ is available here on gov.ie.
