Networks prepare for community planning at Stormont

The event, organised by the Community Development Networks Forum in partnership with Community Places and NICVA, examined how Community Planning is critical to the changes that lie ahead and what challenges it will bring to those working at a local level. Over 100 representatives from community networks, local councils, and other statutory representatives were in attendance.

Speakers
Stephen Peover, Permanent Secretary of the Department of the Environment, set the scene for the morning within the wider context of the Review of Public Administration. Chief Executive of Banbridge District Council Liam Hannaway provided some perspective on the challenges that lie ahead for councils while Francie Molloy MLA spoke from the point of view of a local councillor. In response Cathy Rice from Ards Community Network, and Chair of the Networks Forum, outlined how community development networks, by the nature of their work, are uniquely placed to be key stakeholders in the community planning process.

Discussion
Colm Bradley of Community Places facilitated a lively panel discussion with representatives from all eleven new council clusters on how community planning can open up opportunities for a holistic view of local needs, new working relationships and service provision.

Challenges
A number of challenging issues arose throughout the course of the morning. Central to the process will be the need to manage expectations. Community planning will be judged on the changes it proposes to bring about but groups should be realistic about the timeframe. Althou