A range of 20 projects have been awarded a share of €1.2million in funding under the Our Rural Future Digital Innovation Programme.

The programme funds Local Authority-led innovation projects that provide a public benefit and support regional digital development. 

Projects successful with funding applications include the RAPIDS scheme in Limerick which aims to develop technology to improve the identification of potholes and the quality of road surface on Limerick's roads. Proactively identifying potholes earlier will reduce road maintenance costs and lower the carbon footprint of roads maintenance, thereby improving public safety and value for money.

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Monaghan County Council has also secured investment to trial inflatable outdoor screens to see how effective they are at delivering important information to the public. The screens will be made available for use by local organisations including Clones Film Society, Foróige, Primary Schools and other local organisations.

Announcing the successful applications, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD said: "The Digital Innovation Programme is designed to encourage innovation and collaboration, and to help us to work smarter in supporting rural Ireland. The range of projects approved today showcase the imagination, energy and expertise that exists in rural Ireland. 

"People who live in rural Ireland are nothing if not innovative. In recent years we have seen drones delivering medicine to our Island communities. This small scheme is all about giving rural communities the opportunity to trial new technologies which will solve local problems. If it works for one community, it can work for others and we can then look at replicating these models in other areas.

"I look forward to seeing these projects delivering clear benefits to rural communities over the coming months."