E-Government & The Smart Economy

E-Government & the Smart Economy

Waterford County Local Authorities have always been innovative in their use of information and communications technologies.  The E-government and ‘Smart Economy’ agendas are constantly evolving and facilitate delivery of more efficient and effective customer service.   Remote services allow access to information on all facets of the Local Authorities.

In recent years, considerable resources have been invested in the infrastructural elements of the Council’s IT network through the deployment of wireless & wired broadband links to all of Area Offices & Libraries.  Significant enhancements to the Councils’ Web sites include online bill pay and online information services such as gPlan and ePlan.  The use of GIS (geographical informational systems) as a tool to improve data gathering, prepare work plans and provide information has been key to delivery of services.

Statistical information indicates that on-line services are becoming ever more popular.   23% of all motor tax renewals for the County are now performed on line.   During 2008, in excess of 64,000 pages were viewed on ‘online planning’ systems, with in excess of 41,000 viewings for the first 9 months of 2009.   In the twelve month period from October 2008, the Waterford County Council website recorded almost 139,000 visits with 600,000 individual page viewings.   Statistical data indicates that 43% of these page views were new visitors with in excess of 13% from overseas.   Invest in Waterford Website received 3,251 unique visits representing 8,468 page views while Work in Waterford Website received 8,938 unique visits representing 23,889 page views.

The strategy for 2010-2014 focuses on how the organisation will use its high specification network and Software products to work smarter and more effectively.  The Councils will continue to work towards improving online service delivery to customers, improving mobile technology solutions for Council staff and Members and enhancing project management and communications functionality internally. 

Strategic Goal 1 - Improve Service to the Citizen

Objectives

• Developing and upgrading the Council’s web sites with quarterly reviews/assessment for accessibility
  
  
• Continued development of applications for on-line payment options;
  
  
• Completion of roll out of Customer Relationship Management System (CRM) within the organization as an aid to improved work flow management and improved customer service;
  
  
• Maximising the use of Information and Communication Technology at the Customer Care Desk;
  
  
• Working with other partners internally on accessibility issues with a view to providing enhanced service delivery for people with disabilities
  
  
• Co-operate with all National Broadband Schemes with the aim of improving access and online business opportunities in County Waterford.

Strategic Goal 2 - Provide ICT services to Elected Members

Objectives

• Improving methods by which Elected Members access relevant information.
  
  
• Developing private extranet space so that agendas, reports, correspondence, etc. can be made available online;
  
  
• Modernise the manner in which Council meetings are conducted.
  
  

Strategic Goal  3 - Maintaining and developing ICT Internally

Objectives

• Continuing to build and maintain a reliable and secure internal ICT infrastructure;
  
  
  
• Using project management software system ‘Project Vision’ as an aid to improved work management throughout the organisation;
  
  
• Maximising the use of Customer Relationship Management software and workflow management techniques to improve the efficiency of processes throughout the organisation;
  
  
• Further developing the intranet system;
  
  
• Increasing the use of GIS and geomobile devices to improve data gathering and project planning;
  
  
• Working with the management and staff of departments to maximise the use of existing technology and to identify systems for improved efficiency and customer service.