New technology for public area at council

NEW interactive technology which is to be installed in the public area of Wicklow County Council was unveiled to elected members at their February meeting.

A new interactive touch screen is soon to be operational, allowing members of the public to access a variety of information such as local area plans, online planning lists, council social media updates and contact details for various departments.

Behind the scenes, a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is also being introduced which members were informed would lead to greater transparency and shorter times for queries to be resolved.

A number of councillors including Cllr Jennifer Whitmore and Cllr Miriam Murphy reminded officials that the new public screen must be installed at a height which is accessible to all.

They were informed that this would be the case.

In relation to the CRM system, Cllr Joe Behan said that if it is just ‘window dressing’ then it has no function.

‘ This is good as a concept but the problem is not getting an issue reported but in getting it addressed. All the magic technology - if the underlying issue is not dealt with will be a complete waste of money,’ he said.

Chief Executive Frank Curran disagreed that it would be window dressing.

‘ This is all about efficiency and everything will be tracked. Having the facts for waiting times will assist us and the information will be available to councillors,’ he said.