Press Release Thursday 19th April 2007

South Dublin County Council was presented the Innovative Organisation of the Year Award at this years Innovation in Technology Awards 2007 for its Connect Project, by Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey, TD, in the Shelbourne Hotel last night, 18^th April. The awards were run by Inside Government magazine in association with lead sponsor Eircom. It was one of eight awards presented to recognise excellence and creativity in technology initiatives in the public sector.

Connect www.southdublin.ie/connect is using technology in innovative ways with local communities to create local content on the internet in ways that will improve quality of life. It includes the Connect School project which was launched by the Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D. on Tuesday 17^th April. Connect recently also won the overall Irish eGovernment Award 2007 as well as winning the Best Local Government Award category organised by the Public Sector Times.

Addressing guests, Minister Dempsey said: I am delighted to present these awards to the outstanding individuals and organisations who have contributed to making technology relevant and useful in all sectors of Irish industry and commerce. Using innovation and technology, they have given better access and tangible efficiency in service and costs to all of us who work in and use these organisations.

Speaking at the Awards, Cathal Magee, Managing Director, Eircom Retail said: This event acknowledges the real impact and improved services on offer as a direct result of the diligent efforts of the public sector to deliver ever more valuable and innovative services.

The event, which took place in the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, was attended by over 200 representatives across the public sector, from Central Government Departments and local authorities to public service organisations in the welfare, enterprise, and educational sectors.

The Awards were run by Inside Government magazine in association with lead sponsor Eircom. Other category award sponsors included the Citizens Information Board, Microsoft, Schneider Electric and Oc.

-ENDS-

For further information contact:

Lorna Maxwell, Connect Project Manager: email: lmaxwell@sdublincoco.ie Ph: 086 8202598

Sabrina Fogarty, PR & Development email: sfogarty@sdublincoco.ie Ph: 086 8273511

Weblink to the Innovation in Technology Awards: http://www.insidegovernment.ie/newswire_detail.php?iResearchId=6460