Communications Office

During 2001 the Communications Office provided information services to the Elected members, staff, general public and the media, as well as providing administrative support to the Cathaoirleach.

The Cathaoirleach’s Award Scheme was launched in early 2001. This scheme was devised and promoted to reward those who have given voluntary service to their community. There was a large attendance in the County Chamber for the award ceremony. The category winners were:
Sport - Rory O’Beirne
Arts - Dha Eaoin Youth Theatre
Community - Noreen McGloin
Environment - Reverend Alan Mitchell
Schools - Tubbercurry National School

A Special award for youth and endeavour was presented to Kenneth Kerins. The overall Cathaoirleach’s Award winner for 2001 was Reverend Alan Mitchell.

In September the Communications Office, working with Partnership Facilitator Ian Duggan, produced the first issue of a staff newsletter. ‘Contact’ will be published on a quarterly basis, and starting summer 2002 it is intended to circulate a monthly ‘update’ of the newsletter for staff.

In December Sligo County Council launched its website, (www.sligococo.ie). It was developed in conjunction with website consultant Nico Guichard, and the Communications office and IT sections will update and maintain the site on an ongoing basis. The website is a valuable facility which permits our customers to access information about the full range of services offered by the Council.

In 2002 the Local Government Computer Services Board propose to establish links from their ‘e-forms’ web-site to the various Local Authority sites, which will mean that application forms and guidelines will be standardised and be available on-line. The next phase of development in late 2002 will mean that the public will be also be able to conduct financial transactions ‘on-line’.