Monday, 29 May 2023
The .IE Digital Town Awards promote awareness, knowledge, use and understanding of digital in Ireland by its citizens, businesses and communities. They also highlight the benefits and possibilities of digital and celebrate the digital achievements of local towns, big and small.
Congratulations to the 3 innovative and inspiring Donegal initiatives who have been recognised in this years awards for their hard work and dedication and have won a combined €12,000!
.IE Digital Town Awards - Donegal Winners!
Digital Education Runner-up €4,000: 'Unleashing Digital Creativity', Carndonagh.
Young people in rural Donegal faced educational disadvantage. Spraoi agus Spórt, a social enterprise, opened the Digital Creative Lab where young people use digital fabrication to bring their ideas and creativity to life. This shows them what digital skills, design entrepreneurship and engineering can offer for their future. It has been rolled out across national and secondary schools in the county and there are high hopes for the contribution of STEM to future job opportunities.
More information on the work of Spraoi agus Spórt can be found HERE
Digital Tourism Winner €6,000: 'Digital History and Heritage', Dunlewey
Dunlewey developed a digital project to showcase the history and heritage of the village and surrounding area. Key points of interest were identified for a heritage trail. It used storymaps, online exhibitions, online heritage trails and interactive maps. The oral tradition of older people and local farmers was captured – including names of places, lakes and fields – and recorded for future generations. Original records such as school registration books, were photographed and digital books created. Virtual tours of the local landscape were created. Digital has allowed the story of Dunlewey to be shared with locals and visitors alike.
More information on this initiative can be found HERE
Newcomer Commended €2,000: 'Decreasing Isolation - Increasing Connectedness', Ardara
After broadband was installed in the sheltered housing complex in 2022, all 29 apartments and the public areas were provided with a smart screen/speaker Amazon Echo. This has opened a world of opportunity to residents, particularly as it uses voice activated technology which is easier for older residents than typing. Residents use it for viewing funerals, weddings and church services online; to set reminders from the mundane to the important – from watering flowers to medication times; creating shopping lists; and making video calls or participating in an online singing circle. Residents are delighted with what the new world digital has opened up for them
All photo credits: .IE Digital Town Awards
