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UPDATE: Filled at the Summer Plenary on 18th June 2026 after election.

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CANCELLED: Environment, Water & Amenity SPC Vacancy

Note: Our apologies that this vacancy was advertised in error. Maureen Cullinane (Age Action) was elected previously by CCPPN members through the Community & Voluntary Pillar will continue to serve in her role on the Environment, Water & Amenity Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) beyond Summer Plenary 2026.

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The Cork Local Drugs & Alcohol Taskforce oversees the local delivery of National Drugs Strategy, reducing harm and supporting recovery.

Who are the members?

The Task Force is made up of representatives from the following groups and organisations:

Cork City Council, Cork Prison, Cork ETB, Department of Social Protection, Garda Siochana, Probation Service, Voluntary cluster, Co-ordinator SRDATF, Liaison Person DPU, HSE Co-ordinator of Drug & Alcohol Services, Cork City Council – Social Inclusion.

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All Candidate Statements & Election Information will be uploaded to this Padlet on 10th June

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All Candidate Statements & Election Information will be uploaded to this Padlet on 10th June

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Updated April 2026

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What are the Strategic Policing Committees (SPCs)?

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What are the Strategic Policing Committees (SPCs)?

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Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) are local authority committees in city and county councils whose membership includes elected councillors, representatives of business, farming interests, environmental/conservation groups, trade unions and community and voluntary members. It is the task of the Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs), as committees of the council, to advise and assist the council in the formulation, development and review of policy. They have no remit in relation to routine operational matters regarding the delivery of services. The SPC system is intended to give councillors and relevant sectoral interests an opportunity for full involvement in the policy making process from the early stages.

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Closing Date for Secretariat, LCDC, and SPC Nominations: 8th June at 12noon. 

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Closing Date for Secretariat, LCDC, and SPC Nominations: 8th June at 12noon. 

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Please find a links to each nomination form below.

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There are 4 seats allocated to PPN Reps on this committee.

Currently, there are three (3) vacancies available:

x1 LGBTQI+

x1 Traveller Representation

x1 Migrant

To be eligible for these vacancies, your member organisation must work with or represent one of the above communities in Cork City.

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What kind of commitment is involved with CLDATF?

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What kind of commitment is involved with CLDATF?

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There is one meeting per month. These meetings are shared between online and in-person in Kinvara House where possible and in the daytime. There is a three-year term for this position. There are opportunities to sit on sub-groups.

Please Note:
You will need to attend Induction Training. This will be arranged once you have been nominated/elected.

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What kind of skills, interests or expertise do you need as a representative?

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What kind of skills, interests or expertise do you need as a representative?

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Be a member of and/or work with the Community of Interest (CoI) from which they are nominated to represent

Be fully committed to the aims and objectives of the CLDATF and the Public Participation Network

Understand and can commit the time to  carry out the role effectively

Have a track record of involvement in the local community and Community of Interest

Have knowledge and experience of local drug or alcohol issues either through personal lived experience, involvement in the local community or community of interest

Be comfortable with communication through email and messaging forums such as WhatsApp.

Be willing to work within the PPN network and engage in its activities and training, including attending Linkage Groups.

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What are the benefits to joining this committee?

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What are the benefits to joining this committee?

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Participate in decision-making around drug & alcohol services

Voice the needs of your community - help inform service provision

Build networks & develop voluntary experience

Benefit from training and networking opportunities in Cork City PPN

Personal growth and capacity building

Representing your community of interest on the CLDALTF and being a guiding voice in the future of the development of the Public Participation Network, Cork City.

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Today, the Cork Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force funds twenty-one projects across Cork City. The projects we fund have developed over

the years to meet emerging needs and the increasing prevalence of various substances within communities. Services including information and awareness raising, assessment, care planning, case management, brief interventions, holistic therapies, advocacy, onward referral, community-based counselling & pre and post treatment support are available from CLDATF funded projects.

Role of Task Forces

The National Drugs Strategy recognises the key role that Local and Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces continue to play in addressing substance misuse problems. It remains important, therefore, that they operate effectively at community level with clear objectives and in accordance with appropriate guiding principles.

Guiding principles for the operation of Drug and Alcohol Task Forces;
Propriety

DATFs will carry out their terms of reference (functions) with integrity and fairness and without self-interest or favouritism.
Responsiveness

DATFs will be responsive to stakeholders' views and will consult with them in carrying out their functions.
Transparency

DATFs will keep their stakeholders informed about their policies and actions.
Accountability

DATFs will be accountable for the use of public monies provided to them.
Efficiency and effectiveness

DATFs will have regard to the need for effectiveness and efficiency in carrying out their terms of reference (functions).
Partnership

DATFs work in a spirit of partnership between the statutory, voluntary and community sectors.

Terms of Reference

The original terms of reference of the Drug and Alcohol Task Forces required them to assess the extent and nature of the drug problem in their areas and to develop and monitor the implementation of action plans to respond to the problem as identified. The Drug and Alcohol Task Forces' role is, by the use of an innovative and evidence-based approach in accordance with the National Drugs Strategy and in co-operation with the Drugs Advisory Group (DAG) and the Office of the Minister for Drugs (OMD), to focus on the delivery of these objectives within a local/regional context so as to ensure the development of a coordinated and integrated response to substance misuse by:

Creating and maintaining an up-to-date overview on the nature and extent of substance use and misuse and the services available in the area/region through the gathering of all relevant information from the organisations and services involved;

To strengthen and support a community based focus to drug and alcohol misuse, mobilising an integrated cross-sectoral response at local level;

To oversee and monitor the effectiveness of projects approved under action plans and make decisions on continued priorities having regard to current needs and available funding;

Providing for the implementation of a local/regional strategy in the context of the National Drugs Strategy 2009 - 2016 through:

Identifying emerging strategic issues and developing proposals on policies or actions needed to address them;

Preparing updated action plans having regard to evidence available on the extent and specific location of illicit drug use in the area/region;

Seeking to influence the work of all relevant Statutory, Community and Voluntary service providers to improve services;

Identifying any barriers to the efficient delivery of services to clients in the Drug and Alcohol Task Force area;

Developing Cross Task Force initiatives and networking arrangements for the exchange of information and experience with other Drug and Alcohol Task Forces,as well as for the dissemination of best practice; and

Co-ordinating their activities with other relevant initiatives/programmes in the region, particularly those involved in responding to social disadvantage.

Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of projects with a view to their continued funding through State Agencies in accordance with agreed procedures;

To ensure appropriate representation by the statutory, voluntary and community sectors on the Task Force & ensuring the appropriate induction and training of Task Force members;

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces also have a role in informing national policy formulation;

To develop networking arrangements for the exchange of information and experience with other Task Forces, as well as the dissemination of best practice;

To take account of and contribute to other initiatives aimed at improving social inclusion and tackling disadvantage: Young People's Facilities and Services Fund, Joint Policing Committees, Local Policing Fora, School Completion Programme, Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development (RAPID),

Accountability arrangements

Each DATF will develop a local three year strategy, reflecting local needs and circumstances, to support implementation of the national drugs strategy;

Each year a DATF will identify priorities and actions (an operational plan) for the coming year, in line with nationally agreed priorities;

Each DATF will report on its activities, and in particular on its effectiveness and efficiency, twice a year to the Office of the Minister for Drugs in accordance with guidelines published by the office;

Each DATF will put in place accounting arrangements, based on receipted expenditure, in relation to any public funds disbursed by it and will report annually on its expenditure of public monies. These arrangements to be in accordance with any guidelines issued by the OMD for administration and operational budgets.

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What We Do - Cork Drug & Alcohol Information

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Today, the Cork Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force funds twenty-one projects across Cork City. The projects we fund have developed over the years to meet emerging needs and the increasing prevalence of various substances within communities. Services including information and awareness raising, assessment, care planning, case management, brief interventions, holistic therapies, advocacy, onward referral, [...]

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What kind of skills or expertise do you need as a Representative? 

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What kind of skills or expertise do you need as a Representative? 

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Engagement in issues relevant to the SPC to which you are nominated and interest and engagement with local communities.

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There are 5 PPN Representatives who sit on the LCDC.

Currently, there is one vacancy available:

x1 Community & Voluntary

To be eligible for this vacancy, your membership organisation must be a Community & Voluntary PPN member.

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What Secretariat Positions are available?

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What Secretariat Positions are available?

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There are 9 seats on the Cork City PPN Secretariat, three (3) sets allocated to each pillar.

Currently, there are five (5) Secretariat positions available.

x1 Social Inclusion

x1 Community & Voluntary

x3 Environmental

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The Secretariat governs & supports the work of the Public Participation Network between Plenary (member group) meetings.

There are 9 Secretariat members, three (3) from each Pillar/College: Community & Voluntary, Social Inclusion, and Environment. The Secretariat works in a "Flat Structure". One key feature of this is the "Rotating Facilitator" All Secretariat Members should have an opportunity to serve as "Rotating Facilitator".

There are opportunities to sit on sub-groups or working groups: such as HR Liaison, Governance, Finance and individual projects.

The Secretariat develop the work plan and budget and present this to the Plenary for approval. They oversee and support the staff to carry out the work plan and spend the budget during the year through the HR Liaison Sub-group.

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What are the benefits of volunteering on this committee?

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What are the benefits of volunteering on this committee?

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Personal growth and capacity building

Access to training and support

Networking and connecting to others

Representing your college on the Secretariat and being a guiding voice in the future of the development of the Public Participation Network, Cork City.

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Community Safety - Cork City Public Participation Network

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Community Safety Overview Representatives Padlet Documents Related News Overview This Linkage Group provides a space for Cork City PPN Members to discuss and develop policy and position papers in relation to the topic of Community Safety. This Linkage Group covers the Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) at Cork City Council level. This Linkage Group meets […]

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Last updated: May 2026, by Pillar

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LCDCs are responsible for:

co-ordinating, planning and overseeing local and community development funding

bringing a more joined-up approach to the running of local and community development programmes and interventions

pursuing an integrated approach to local community based services across providers and delivery structures

promoting meaningful citizen and community engagement in the planning and evaluation of development programmes

pursuing a more cost-efficient administration of local and community development programmes and delivery structures

matching resources to priorities

ensuring better value for money in the management and delivery of programmes

focusing on learning and feedback, enhancing the links between services delivery and policy development

pursuing opportunities for additional funding for the area, whether exchequer, EU, private or other sources

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What kind of commitment is involved with the LCSP?

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What kind of commitment is involved with the LCSP?

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There is a meeting every month. Members may also wish to participate in Sub-groups of the LCDC and this may entail an additional time commitment that is optional.

The LCDC Reps serve a three (3) year term with the option to serve a second three (3) year term if agreeable to both the representative and committee.

Please Note: You should be available to attend Induction Training in June 2026.

If you have any barriers to participation in induction please get in touch with the PPN Coordinator via coordinator@corkcityppn.ie

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What kind of skills or expertise do you need as a Representative?

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What kind of skills or expertise do you need as a Representative?

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A high level of understanding, knowledge, and experience of at least one of the PPN colleges (community, social inclusion, or environment) and how they relate to local government.  Knowledge of committees, their roles, and functions. Understanding of the LECP and its statutory function. A high level of communication and interpersonal skills.

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What is the term length of an LCSP Representative?

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What is the term length of an LCSP Representative?

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3 years with an option of a second 3 year term.

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Diversity, Disability and Inclusion Linkage Group

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Diversity, Disability and Inclusion Linkage Group

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Housing, Planning & Transport Linkage Group

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Housing, Planning & Transport Linkage Group

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Climate Action, Environment & Natural Heritage Linkage Group

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Climate Action, Environment & Natural Heritage Linkage Group

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Community, Arts, Sport, International Relations & Tourism Linkage Group

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Community, Arts, Sport, International Relations & Tourism Linkage Group

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What kind of time commitment is involved with the Secretariat?

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What kind of time commitment is involved with the Secretariat?

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There is one meeting per month with a break in Summer and December. These meetings in person, in the City Centre in the evening and usually last between 1.5 hours to 2 hours.

The Secretariat delivers two (2) in-person Plenary Meetings (like an AGM and EGM) with the support of the Staff. There are two Plenaries per year in Summer and Winter. Ideally, all Secretariat members would attend the Plenary, and the meeting is chaired by the outgoing "Rotating Facilitator".

In-between meetings the Secretariat may receive 1-3 emails per week. Most of these are information-only emails. Depending on their sub-group membership, they may receive emails where they need to take action or make a decision or a contribution. The staff support their decision-making through research and presenting briefs to aid this decision-making.

Please Note: You should be available to attend Induction Training in June 2026.

If you have any barriers to participation in induction please get in touch with the PPN Coordinator via coordinator@corkcityppn.ie

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What is the term length for an SPC Representative?

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What is the term length for an SPC Representative?

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Five (5) year term with an option of a second term.

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Cork City Local Community Development Committee

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Cork City Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) has a primary responsibility for coordinating, planning and overseeing all social inclusion and community development with the city

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For further information on the SPC please refer to the "Adopted Strategic Policy Committee Standing orders 2024 - 29"

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For further information on the SPC please refer to the "Adopted Strategic Policy Committee Standing orders 2024 - 29"

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Source: https://www.corkcity.ie/media/scxbgrcb/strategic-policy-committee-scheme-2024-2029.pdf

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Tue 20th January @ 5.30pm

Wed 18th March @ 5.30pm

Tue 19th May @ 5.30pm

Tue 22nd September @ 5.30pm

Tue 17th November @ 5.30pm

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Terms of Reference for CCPPN Secretariat

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Terms of Reference for CCPPN Secretariat

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Code of Conduct for Secretariat, Representatives & Plenary

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Code of Conduct for Secretariat, Representatives & Plenary

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Candidate Statements will be uploaded as soon as nominees are confirmed.

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Please click the link to complete this form.

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Thank you for filling in this nomination form. Please submit fully completed forms by 10th of November 2025 at 12 noon.

Email: info@corkcityppn.ie with "Nomination for [Insert name of position]" in the subject of the email or

Hand: Mark the envelope Nominations, Alannah O'Callaghan, Cork City PPN and drop into St Joseph's Community Association, Old Youghal Road, T23 HK80 or

Post: Nominations, Alannah O'Callaghan, Cork City PPN, C/O St Joseph's Community Association, Old Youghal Road, T23 HK80

For further enquiries email info@corkcityppn.ie
Incomplete forms will be deemed invalid

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Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) Nomination Form

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Please click the link to complete this form.

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Please click the link to complete this form.

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CLDATF Nomination Form Nomination Form Summer 2026

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Please click the link to complete this form.

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If you have any questions or would like any further information on any of these PPN Rep position, please do not hesitate to contact us via email to info@corkcityppn.ie or by calling Alannah on 085 134 4605 or Marta on 085 138 2718.

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Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) Resources

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Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) Resources

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Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

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Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs)

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Information on Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) and Local Economic and Comminty Plan (LECP)