The Sligo PPN has positions for nine members in its Secretariat. There are currently two vacant seats that are up for election. The existing seven members are:
Click here to read the Agendas and Minutes of the Sligo PPN.
Michael has been a member of the Secretariat for the previous six years.
Joan has a keen interest in Climate Action and the Environment. She has attended training and workshops on the Global and the National Climate Action Plan.
Recently she represented the PPN at an OECD workshop on ‘Looking at the Irish Transport System’ through a Wellbeing Lens. She has also represented The National Cycling Advocacy Network at a Climate Summit in Dublin.
As Chair of the Sligo Cycling Campaign and a member of the environment and Infrastructure SPC, Jan has experience of oral and written communication with the Local Authority.
Pat has a widespread experience of working both local and national level across voluntary and statutory groups.
He is passionate about the need to have local volunteers’ views inputted to all decision making.
He has assisted our group by successfully achieving many projects in our Community and his contribution has always been focused on ensuing volunteerism is recognised.
He is committed as an unpaid worker to represent the small voluntary groups and ensure such groups are rewarded for their efforts in developing communities and making them a welcoming and safe place to live.
Dr. Jennifer Van Aswegen brings extensive experience in community development, advocacy, and policy engagement, supported by qualifications including a BA in Community Studies, a Diploma in Local Government Studies, an MBA, and a Doctorate specialising in intersectional policy analysis. A former Secretariat member (2014, 2017), she has represented the community and voluntary sector on key local authority committees, established the PPN Disability Linkage Group, and authored the Disability Inclusion and Access Strategy 2019–2024.
With over 15 years’ experience in advocacy, adult and community education, housing, and social inclusion, Jennifer has also served on the MSLETB Board and currently chairs Dromore West Community Council. As a strong communicator, facilitator, and community leader, she offers deep knowledge of governance, financial management, and policy processes, making her a valuable asset in strengthening the PPN’s role in empowering community participation in decision-making.
Pippa holds degrees in Law and Sociology from New Zealand. She has lived in County Sligo since 2008. After getting her kids to adulthood and becoming an Irish citizen, she became more involved in civic and political life.
Her current top projects include Autism and Friendly Sligo, the Cost of Living Coalition, and the PPN’s Housing Thematic Group.
Her activism is mostly around human rights, particularly with trans and disabled rights. She was drawn to the PPN because of what it represents in terms of participative democracy.
Amro Hamid has a strong background in community development, with deep knowledge of local governance and grassroots engagement. His management experience enables him to effectively coordinate initiatives and ensure that community voices, particularly those from marginalised groups, are heard and represented. Skilled in clear communication, he fosters collaboration across diverse communities, aligning with the values of the PPN. Passionate about social inclusion, Amro is committed to empowering underrepresented voices in decision-making, while also advocating for sustainable development, mental health, wellbeing, and safe lifestyles. His dedication and experience make him an ideal candidate to contribute to the Sligo PPN Secretariat.
As a wheelchair user, Aisling brings a lived experience of being a disabled person and understands the various disabling societal barriers that disabled people face, which prevents us from engaging in a fully inclusive society.
She has a Masters degree in Disability Equality Studies. Therefore, as a member of the Sligo Disabled Persons Organisation, she always takes a rights-based approach of disabled people and the right to be involved and contribute to a fully inclusive society.
Mark has been an active member in various community groups and voluntary work for several years. He was a founding member and is still a volunteer leader for Coolaney Foróige club.
He currently sits on the board of directors for Coolaney Development Company, the Sligo Travellers Support Group, and is actively involved with the Sligo Foróige District Council. He is passionate about helping to create a healthy and inclusive society where all can thrive. Being involved in advocacy and family support work has given him a deep understanding of the issues facing community groups.
Having achieved a degree in Health and Disability through St. Angela’s College in Sligo, he recently completed a Master’s in Leadership and Management in the Community and Public Sector. That’s when he joined the PPN secretariat to gain more knowledge and understanding of the structure, and from that, pass on the information to the different groups involved in the Sligo area to make a stronger network.
Wendy Lyons is an Architectural Technician and Conservation Consultant with over 44 years’ experience, including 40 years in private practice specialising in traditional and historic structures. She has led conservation projects on landmarks such as Markree Castle and St. Anne’s Church, ensuring high standards of restoration and sustainability. A dedicated volunteer, Wendy has served as treasurer for her organisation and contributed to numerous community projects. Passionate about Sligo’s built and natural heritage, she regularly lectures during Heritage Week and through local historical groups. With strong administrative skills, extensive local knowledge, and excellent interpersonal abilities, Wendy brings invaluable expertise in conservation, community engagement, and heritage to the PPN.