Funding of more than €450,000 has been announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, for his departments Digital Innovation Programme, for thirteen digital initiatives that will support rural and urban communities.

The Digital Innovation Programme, introduced this year by the Department of Rural and Community Development, provides funding for original and innovative local authority led digital projects, allowing them to be piloted before they are scaled up or replicated elsewhere in the country.

The Digital Innovation Programme will fund projects in Galway City, Donegal, Dublin City, Sligo, Offaly, Kerry, Tipperary, Fingal, Wicklow, Mayo and Westmeath.

Making the announcement, Minister Ring, said: "These projects will be undertaken in rural and urban settings and will place the needs of the citizen at the heart of digital innovation. For example, the Programme will support a pilot project in Galway City which uses thermal imaging technology to detect persons entering the River Corrib at known blackspots. An automated early warning system will alert local services so that assistance can be provided if required. The project has the potential to save lives in and around the River Corrib and, if successfully replicated elsewhere, could further advance water safety in Ireland.

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"Another project will provide mobile phone coverage for the first time for the town of Malin Beg in Co. Donegal, through collaboration between the local community, county council and industry.

"These initiatives address a diverse range of issues, but are all linked by the innovative use of digital technology and infrastructure to bring real, tangible benefits to local communities. The creativity and collaboration that has gone into their design is highly impressive."

Minister Ring continued: "Other projects seek to preserve local heritage and promote sustainable tourism. For example, free WiFi connectivity will be provided on 71 kilometres of the Grand Canal Greenway, as it runs through Co. Offaly. This initiative will further support cycling tourism in the county and promote the attractions along the Greenway.

"Solar powered Smart Benches being piloted in Fingal in Dublin will enable people to charge their devices and surf the internet wirelessly while they take a seat.

"The projects being announced today build on an initial five projects approved under the Digital Innovation Programme in September. The lessons learned from each of these projects will be shared with other local authorities, allowing each initiative to be scaled up or replicated effectively and efficiently.

"I wish the local authorities well with their projects and look forward to celebrating their successes. I hope to announce further approvals under the Digital Innovation Programme in the coming months."