The Secretariat

The Secretariat is a voluntary board elected by member groups within the Kilkenny PPN to act as an administrative body on behalf of the network between plenary meetings.

The secretariat is comprised of one representative from each of the Kilkenny County Municipal Districts (4), as well as two representatives from each of the three Pillars of the PPN (6).

The role of the Secretariat is to:

  • Ensure operational decisions made by the Plenary are put into action.

  • Maintain the proper functioning of the PPN between Plenary meetings.

  • Organise PPN activities and keep Member Groups informed through regular communication.

  • Maintain accurate records of PPN business, including meeting minutes and agendas.

  • Act as the primary contact for the PPN with various stakeholders, including the Local Authority, Department of Rural and Community Development, and other PPNs.

  • Handle all correspondence on behalf of the PPN and supports PPN Workers in achieving their objectives.

Members

The Secretariat Members were elected as follows:

Carmel Kenny

Community & Voluntary Pillar

Nominated by: Kilkenny GAA Board

Shinith Ak

Community & Voluntary Pillar

Nominated by: Kilkenny Malayali Association

Carina Burrows

Social Inclusion Pillar

Nominated by: Mills Family Resource Centre

Fiona O'Neill

Social Inclusion Pillar

Nominated by: Kilkenny Access Group

Martin Rochford

Environmental Pillar

Nominated by: One Future Carlow-Kilkenny

Liz Dermody

Castlecomer MD

Nominated by: Ossory Youth

Mary Whelan

Thomastown / Callan Municipal District

Nominated by: Graiguenamanagh Festivals Committee

Vacancies

As of 16 April 2025, the Kilkenny PPN Secretariat is seeking nominations for representatives under the following pillars/seats:

  • Environmental Pillar
  • Kilkenny City Municipal District
  • Piltown Municipal District

Kilkenny PPN Staff

The role of the PPN Staff is to support the Secretariat and the Plenary and to carry out duties and tasks on behalf of the PPN following the PPN Workplan.

The main functions of the Workers are to support the:

  • Development of the Strategic Plan

  • Promotion of the PPN

  • The capacity building, networking and information provision needs of PPN Member Groups

  • PPN Representatives & Secretariat

  • PPN work at a national level

  • PPN to liaise with the Local Authority to further the PPN agenda

Bortha Woudsma

PPN Co-Ordinator

Contact Via Email

Brian Hennessy

PPN Support Worker

Contact Via Email