Clare PPN representatives on the Clare Rural Development Forum
Following elections in December 2018 the following representatives were nominated to the Clare Rural Development Forum of Clare County Council, for the three pillars of Clare PPN; Social Inclusion, Environment and Community & Voluntary. We wish them the best of luck in their representative role and we are sure that they will be very effective given the huge experience and expertise they are bringing with them.
Social Inclusion rep – Elaine D’Alton
Elaine is the coordinator of the Clare Women’s Network, which is part of the National Collective of Community Based Women’s Networks (NCCWN) and offers support for women to enhance their quality of life on an individual and group basis especially women experiencing social and economic exclusion and isolation. She is committed to promoting and forwarding recommendations and guidance as identified by women in Clare on how best to address and rectify the obstacles and barriers to their full participation. She believes that representation specifically pertaining to the needs of women is imperative.
Environment rep – Anne Marie Harrington
Anne Marie Harrington brings lots of transferable skills from her career in advertising and marketing to the role of Environmental Rep for Clare PPN. She has lived in Clare for five years, and become very involved in local environmental issues. A former Clare Cool Planet Champion, she is also a founding member of Futureproof Clare, an organisation which aims to share new social and environmental ideas and build local resilience for these changing times. Futureproof Clare is also leading the local campaign against the building of Shannon LNG, a proposed fracked gas terminal in the Shannon Estuary.
Community & Voluntary rep – Neil O’Brien
Neil O Brien is from O’Callaghan’s Mills and has lived and worked all his life in rural Ireland. He is a small farmer and business owner and knows the struggles that rural businesses and rural dwellers face on a daily basis. From his business experience in the past and present, and voluntary work within organisations such as local GAA club and county committees in Clare GAA, Macra Na Feirme, IFA and other sports, social and music groups he will represent a voice for all groups and clubs within county Clare. He has enthusiasm and passion for our villages and towns and hope to see them grow once more.