Structured, formal engagement of stakeholders in public policy – The case of An Fóram Uisce (The Water Forum)

Abstract

This paper examines the operation of An Fóram Uisce (The Water Forum) and its role as a statutory body in formally engaging stakeholders in policy deliberation at the national level. An Fóram Uisce was established in 2018 and consists of twenty-six members, including stakeholders from agriculture, fisheries, business, trade unions and environmental organisations. The research finds a number of benefits of An Fóram as a means of stakeholder engagement. An Fóram is gradually evolving a role for itself in highlighting or putting an issue on the political and public agenda, and helping determine ways in which problems are addressed. It also provides members with a means of developing a shared understanding of the issues and agreeing potential solutions. Limitations exist, however. Notably, there is limited evidence to date of the impact of An Fóram on policy development in practice.

Keywords

• stakeholder engagement
• policy development
• collaborative governance
• water governance
• policy forums