The Information Technology Department provides I.T. Services to both Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council. 2005 saw substantial development of facilities provided by the IT Department. A major upgrade of the communications system took place with the implementation of a modern telephone infrastructure and the implementation of broadband links between offices in Sligo town. The new telephone system incorporates modern state of the art technology and will allow better communication between staff and a more streamlined system for public contact at a more economical cost than previously. Broadband data links will allow better information flows throughout the organisation and ultimately provide for an improved service to the public.

Implementation of the Integrated Planning System in Sligo Local Authorities has continued with its implementation in Sligo Borough. The system comprises Document Imaging (iDocs), Planning GIS (geographic representation of Planning information on electronic maps), and the iPlan (Planning Administration System). This is an area which continues to be developed for both Sligo Local Authorities and will result in the expansion of services and information available online.

Services currently available online which may be accessed through Sligo Local Authorities web sites are:

Developments in the Planning Area and the provision of online services are part of an ongoing modernisation process. This process is also being extended to other services provided by Sligo Local Authorities and will enable easier access to information and maximise the number of on-line services.

The Council is responsible for the preparation of the Register of Electors annually. There are 48,244 electors registered on the 2005/2006 Register. The cost of preparing the Register is borne by the Council and is estimated to be €87,500 in 2005.

Sligo County Council assisted 489 students under the 2004 Higher Education Grants Scheme. There were 176 new applicants and 313 continuing students. The scheme is administered by the Council on behalf of the Department of Education and Science.

In the academic year 2004/2005, Sligo County Council allocated €169,230 in Social Maintenance Grant assistance. A total of €1,796,222 was allocated by Sligo County Council to students in maintenance and fees.

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