Ardara, Carndonagh and Dunlewey projects shortlisted for .IE Digital Town Awards 2023

Three Donegal entries have been shortlisted in the .IE Digital Town Awards 2023 namely Dunlewey’s Digital History and Heritage project; the Carndonagh’s Unleashing Digital Creativity initiative for young people in rural Donegal, facing educational disadvantage and Ardara’s Decreasing Isolation, Increasing Connectedness initiative for residents in sheltered accommodation

The awards, now in their third year, recognise and reward projects created by town groups and local communities with a digital element, supporting Ireland’s digital development.

Dunlewey’s Digital History and Heritage initiative has been shortlisted in the Tourism category, proudly sponsored by AIB Merchant Services.

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 using story maps, 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 were created allowing the story of Dunlewey to be shared with locals and visitors alike.

Unleashing Digital Creativity from Carndonagh is a finalist in the Digital Education category.

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.

The Digital Creative Lab 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.

Ardara’s innovative Decreasing Isolation – Increasing Connectedness has been shortlisted in the Digital Newcomer category.

After broadband was installed in the sheltered housing complex in 2022, all 29 apartments and the surrounding public areas were provided with an Amazon Echo smart screen/speaker.

This has opened a world of opportunity to residents, particularly as it uses voice-activated technology which is an easier tool for older residents than traditional typing.

Residents use it for viewing church services, weddings and funerals online; setting reminders from the mundane to the important tasks including watering flowers and medication times; creating shopping lists; and making video calls or participating in an online singing circle.

Congratulating the finalists, national director, .IE Digital Town Programme Oonagh McCutcheon said the awards celebrate the incredible work being undertaken at a local level to promote innovation and breathe new life into local communities.

"The awards also afford the opportunity to recognise and show appreciation to the volunteers across the country who devote their spare time working tirelessly to enhance their local area, towns and villages and we look forward to celebrating all of our finalists at our Gala Awards ceremony in May."

Chairperson of the .IE Digital Town Awards 2023 judging committee Joan Mulvihill added they were blown away by the wealth of stories and commended each and every entrant who took the time to complete an application. 

"The digital future looks incredibly bright when we look at adopting digital technology to solve everyday problems in towns and communities across the country."

The awards offer a prize fund of €100,000 which is split across the 10 categories. Winners will be announced at a Gala Awards event on Wednesday, May 24.