Register of Electors / Higher Education Grants / Information Technology

REGISTER OF ELECTORS

In 2006 the national publicity campaign undertaken by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government was complemented at local level by Sligo County Council. The campaign included a series of advertisements and press releases, the hosting of information days and the placement of the draft register on the Sligo Local Authorities websites. This ensured that eligible voters were afforded every opportunity to check their name was entered on the register. 

Sligo County Council is satisfied that its intensive information campaign, and the increased numbers of field officers employed, ensured that the general public is aware of the various procedures and deadlines in relation to the compilation of the register of electors. The register of electors comes into force on 15th February each year.

HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS

Sligo County Council assisted 489 students under the 2005 Higher Education Grants Scheme. There were 133 new applicants and 356 continuing students. The scheme is administered by the Council on behalf of the Department of Education and Science. 

In the academic year 2005/2006, Sligo County Council allocated €190,540 in Social Maintenance Grant assistance. A total of €1,871,057 was allocated by Sligo County Council to students in maintenance and fees.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The Information Technology Department provides I.T. services to both Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council. In 2006 a major re-development of the Sligo County Council web site was carried out to facilitate the accessibility of the site by people with visual impairments. This re-development also incorporates the creation of an extranet for councillors which will allow them online access to agenda’s, minutes of meetings and other documents of interest as well as links to relevant websites. 

The Integrated Planning System in Sligo Local Authorities continues to be developed. The system comprises Document Imaging (iDocs), Planning GIS (geographic representation of Planning information on electronic maps), and the iPlan Planning Administration System. Developments in this area are resulting in the expansion of services and information available online.

Services currently available online which may be accessed through Sligo Local Authorities web sites are:

• Planning enquiries
• Register of Electors enquiries
• Payment of traffic fines
• Motor Tax online
• Sligo County Library Catalogue

Developments in the Planning area and the provision of online services are part of an ongoing modernisation process. This process is also being extended to other services provided by Sligo Local Authorities and will enable easier access to information and maximise the number of on-line services.