Two Mayo projects shortlisted for 2022 .IE Digital Town Awards

THE shortlist for the 2022 .IE Digital Town Awards, announced today by .IE, the managers of Ireland’s trusted online .ie address, includes two Mayo projects.

Following a competitive selection process by an independent judging panel, Westport and Castlebar have been shortlisted for a national award in the Digital Business and Digital Education categories respectively.

Westport’s entry relates to a new e-commerce platform with a social media look and feel that has been purposely designed to support local business and connect communities. Castlebar’s Digital West project seeks to educate local business and the general public on the latest digital technology trends and how they can leverage these technologies for a positive sustainable outcomes.

Now in its second year, the .IE Digital Town Awards honour local town projects and people that are using digital innovation, technologies, and digital-first thinking for the betterment of towns, citizens, and services in the community.

The awards were launched as part of €1 million investment announced by .IE in 2021. There are seven award categories for digital projects in the areas of education, tourism, business, and community, with three special awards recognising a Digital Changemaker, Digital Rising Star, Digital Local Hero. An overall winner will also be announced at the gala awards ceremony next month.

Commenting on the announcement, Oonagh McCutcheon, national eirector of the .IE Digital Town Programme, said: “We are proud to announce our shortlist of projects for this year’s .IE Digital Town Awards. Last year’s winners set the bar exceptionally high, and this year we are again seeing great examples of how towns and community leaders are stepping up and adopting new ways of thinking and doing, with digital tools and innovation helping them to not only survive but thrive.

“Whether it is creating an online visitor experience to drive tourism in a town or a digital voucher scheme to encourage local commerce, there are many inspiring examples of everyday champions and digital leaders in our communities that are transforming local life and society in innovative and creative ways.

“Those shortlisted in today’s announcement have demonstrated impressive digital improvements and enhancements in their local town, and we are delighted to be able to honour and recognise their efforts.”