New website on local authorities
By Finnian Cox
A new website that will help the public in Cork access local government services and information has been launched.
LocalGov.ie will ease the difficulty in finding information relating to the local authorities and the over 1,000 services they provide.
The decision to develop the site came after it was revealed that 60% of people have found it difficult to access information regarding their local authority area. The website was launched by Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon who said the website would act like a ‘sat nav’, pointing people in the direction of the information they need.
He said that the website is a “game-changer in connecting local government with citizens and explains the entire process of how to access services, from motor tax to library services.
“Crucially, it will guide and signpost people to information which can improve their lives in a practical way, and the communities in which they live,” he said.
Another of the website’s goals is to provide a database of the grants and funding opportunities available to individuals, businesses and sporting clubs, as well as details on how to access them.
The website was launched by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) last Thursday, as a part of the Digital and ICT Strategy 2030.
Board chair of the project Patricia Liddy described LocalGov.ie as “the new, trusted home for every local authority service available in Ireland”.
She contrasted the new website’s convenience with the old method of sending newsletters, saying that LocalGov.ie is “designed to eliminate confusing language and out-of-date information”.
“The goal was to make it accessible, easy-to-read and easy to navigate and will also act as an access route to the websites of all 31 local authorities in Ireland,” Ms Liddy added.
LocalGov.ie is now live, and will be updated and reviewed regularly with any changes to legislation, new information, or development enhancements to keep the information accessible.