Two Laois finalists in the Digital Town Awards

Two Laois towns have been shortlisted as finalists in the .ie Digital Town Awards 2024 which 
recognise and reward projects with a digital element created by town groups, individuals and local communities.

Groups in Abbeyleix and Mountrath are among the 41 finalists nationwide in the running for a 
prize fund of €60,000. 

Abbeyleix - a virtual community noticeboard is a finalist in the Community Digital category.

The project description says: “Abbeyleix has long been recognised as an important heritage town and now we are making significant strides as a green and sustainable town. We have serious ambitions to play a leading role in showcasing how rural based communities can navigate the transition to the new green and sustainable economy. Abbeyleix Tidy Towns is strongly committed to protecting the environment, enhancing, and maintaining the town’s character and working towards a sustainable future. Throughout the year we work hard to keep this message to the fore of peoples' minds using our website and social media channels, especially Facebook.”

Mountrath Digital Twin sustainable communities plan has been shortlisted in the Community Digital category. 

Their project description says: "The Mountrath Digital Twin sustainable communities plan is a publicly accessible online 3D digital twin of the town today and how it could look in the future, as viewed in the following web link; https://online3d.realsim.ie/webgl/Mountrath/. The development options incorporate the feedback from the local community during an extensive public consultation process as part of a Sustainable Communities Plan commissioned by Laois County Council. It is the first online 3D digital twin of its kind anywhere in Ireland and has helped galvanise the town to set up a dedicated Town Team to help realise its vision."

Winners will be announced at a Gala awards ceremony in Sheraton Hotel, Athlone, Co. Westmeath on Friday 24th May 2024.