Providing a quality service and response to the customers we serve is at the centre of the current customer service programme that Sligo Local Authorities are implementing.
Actions taken recognise the need for attention to the timely delivery of services of a high quality, measured against performance indicators, personnel training and development in customer care, and more openness and transparency in decision making.
Sligo Local Authorities are conscious that each customer has different needs and that contact is made in a variety of ways. As a result initiatives are being developed and implemented to benefit customer groups in the areas such as consultation, communication, complaints, information / communications technology, partnership with staff and partnership with public representatives
Customer service actions include:
In 2003 work commenced on the development of a Customer Services Desk. The Desk will become the first point of contact for customers. The development and implementation of the desk is being achieved through an interdepartmental team including representatives from the elected members.
When implementation is complete the officers on the desk will have a library of information. Regular briefing sessions will be held for the customer services officers and all staff to provide continuous updates on activities to ensure that the desk can respond to customer queries. The desk will also have access to the necessary infrastructure to provide a quick response including the use of a Customer Management System to record Customer contact and provide responses on frequently asked questions. Tracking of queries will also provide a useful tool in the management of customer contact and in-turn service provision.
Sligo Local Authorities have made significant improvements in relation to customer services, however it is an area that requires constant attention. Within the modernisation process Sligo County Council will continue to strive to deliver excellent customer services.
In 2003 the Special Projects Office prepared submissions to a number of agencies for funding towards local authority and community projects. The office was successful in obtaining Peace II, Interreg, national and EU funding for these projects.
Members of the Omagh Sligo Partnership continue to work to identify and collaborate on joint initiatives to benefit both Omagh and Sligo. Numerous projects are at different stages of development and involve the Partnership members directly or associated agencies. The Partnership continues to work towards delivering their Strategic Plan 2002 – 2006 and the following list outlines some of the broad range of projects worked on in 2002.
PROJECT |
PROGRESS MADE |
|---|---|
| Resource funding for Partnership including Programme implementations | Current Project being prepared for submission to Co-operation Ireland to include Resource funding |
Theme 1 ~ Enterprise and Economic Development | |
| Public Tendering Programme for small Companies | For re-submission to INTERREG |
| Workspace/Enterprise Unit Development | Number of Sligo Projects seeking partners. Search underway in Omagh for suitable partners |
| 3rd Level education network (Tech transfer programme) |
Currently underway with Phase 1involving Omagh , Sligo and Fermanagh |
| 3rd Level networking | Active engagement between Sligo and Omagh Colleges |
| Tourism | Preparing joint tourism project which involves joint promotion and includes printing of duel map of Omagh and Sligo |
| Micro Enterprise Programme | Omagh and Sligo partners in this 12 Border county project to support SME's project facilitated by ICBAN |
| North West Region Farmers market | Involving Leader companies in Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, and Omagh, this project will bring together local producers to establish farmers markets |
Theme 1 ~ Community Development | |
| Sligo Connections | Building the capacity of the community sector to initiate and sustain Cross Border community exchange programme |
| NUIG Diploma in Peace | Supporting the ongoing development and implementation of this community focused Peace Diploma |
| Youth Sports West | Both Councils participate in this Cross Border initiative which promotes sports development in schools in Omagh, Sligo and Fermanagh |
| Bordertrek | Provide funding and assistance towrads this annual Cross Border cycle involving over 1600 cyclists |
| OSCEAN (Omagh Sligo Community Education Area Network) | Will work to strenghten links by establishing a cross border network of community development education and training organisations in order to open educational access. Currently waiting outcome of funding application |
| Community Exchange | Ballygawley and Riverstown Dun Uladh Centre & Ballintogher (Youth & Music) |
Projects being developed (in early Stages) | |
| -Community Development Partnership involving Goirtin -Environmental Management Projects | |
Since its origin in 1999, Sligo Connections has helped towards removing barriers that may have existed for the development of cross border programmes. These barriers have been reduced through support provision and training amongst the communities.
Through the facilitation of the Special Projects Office the Sligo Connections project was developed to encourage the exchange of information and experience on a cross border basis. From a strategic point of view the vision is to create innovation, energy and commitment in developing cross border co-operation, develop people with the understanding, respect and appreciation of the different cultures and traditions of both parties, and assist in the elimination of fear, suspicion and uncertainty on both sides and the establishment of an ongoing programme of regular and deepening contacts.
Sligo Connections aims to raise awareness amongst the wider community about the opportunities arising from peace and of the potential for cross border exchanges and co-operation. Through funding received from ADM/CPA under the EU Peace 11 Programme the project has a dedicated development officer who oversees the development and delivery of the programmes. All enquiries on the Sligo Connections project to Conor Fitzgerald can be contacted at 071 91574745 or cfitzgerald@sligococo.ie
Project activity includes the delivery of training to community groups including Best Practice in Cross Border activity and a Trainer Skills Certificate. In 2003 the project also hosted its first Cross Border Community Showcase. The aim of the showcase was to highlight the achievement of the community and voluntary sector in Co. Sligo in relation to cross border projects and programmes. Over twenty groups participated in the event.