REIMAGINING OUR RURAL AREA DIGITALLY THROUGH INNOVATON

Fiona McCaffrey Jones, Manager of Truagh Spirit Social Enterprise explained, “we are thrilled to be finalists in the IE. DIGITAL TOWN AWARDS Newcomer category and are looking forward to representing Truagh and the wider north Monaghan area at the national awards ceremony in Athlone next month. We are overwhelmed at the response of the judges to our work in the digital sphere and fingers crossed we will take home first prize!
Before Covid 19, all our services were delivered face-to-face. The impact of the pandemic meant we had to completely rethink our business model and start using digital options to reduce social isolation and loneliness. This included WhatsApp groups, Zoom or Teams for meetings and video chats, Facebook for sharing images and news, development of the truaghspirit.ie with grant aid from Department of Rural and Community Development ARISE and the opening of the Blackwater Valley Digital Hub @ Errigal Heritage Centre with the support of Connected Hubs for students and remote workers who had poor broadband at home. Digital has opened a whole new range of possibilities which the community will build on.