Irish Local Development Network
Planet
Irish Local Development Network, is the representative voice of the 38 area-based Partnerships in Ireland, who work to promote social inclusion through the development of disadvantaged areas and communities.
The Partnerships are funded via the National Development Plan through the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, Pobal (formerly ADM), and other sources. A registered Co-operative, PLANET is an independent network, financed entirely by its members.
What we do:
- Organise structured opportunities for our members to learn from and share with others;
- Lobby policy makers and decision makers on common critical issues;
- Provide our members with expert support services that are more effectively and efficiently provided at national level.
How we do it:
The work of the Network is supported by a number of national Policy Groups involving PLANET members from Partnership boards/ sub-committees and Partnership personnel.
These Policy Groups address common concerns that are shared among members in the area of enterprise; labour market initiatives; community development; childcare; education and training. Their function is to develop PLANET policy based on the practical experience of members, working at the local level, in an effort to develop disadvantaged areas and communities.
The Partnerships Network is run by a voluntary Management Committee, comprising of Chairs and Managers of Partnerships Companies and is assisted in this by a full-time office with a Co-ordinator and Administration and Development Officer.