Integrating Place-Based and Community-Led Approaches into Ireland’s Public Health System

27th July 2026

Supporting work to address loneliness and social isolation, this guidance makes an evidence-informed case for embedding place-based and community-led approaches to public health. It explains how health is shaped by local environments, relationships and community power, and argues for shifting from professionally directed interventions towards shared decision-making, asset-based practice and sustained local action. Drawing on Irish, UK and international case studies, it highlights benefits including stronger social connection, improved wellbeing, reduced isolation and more sustainable change. It also offers guidance on engagement, peer roles, service reorientation, evaluation and national enablers for equitable, community-centred public health reform in Ireland. Download the resource at: https://publicpolicy.ie/health/integrating-place-based-and-community-led-approaches-into-irelands-public-health-system/