Council to provide touch screen information boards

The council has confirmed it is set to install touch screen information screens in the Civic Centre in Athlone and Áras an Chontae in Mullingar.

The response came after Cllr Frankie Keena called on the local authority to provide a touch screen information display board of all its services in the atrium of Athlone Civic Offices at recent meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District.

Cllr Paul Hogan supported the motion saying: “There is a huge amount of opportunity here to also look at different aspects that would improve visitor experience for people such as heritage, culture, history. There's a huge scope of opportunity there to pass on information to improve that visitor experience.

Director of Services, Barry Kehoe said: “The touchscreens are in the process of being procured.” He added that it was difficult to get the specification right to ensure an appropriate interface between touchscreen and background. “The project got a bit complicated, unfortunately.

“I'm told that they're imminent but what I'll do is I'll find out exactly when they're to be delivered and I'll email the members.”

While the touch screens are being installed to facilitate the inspection of planning applications, they will also provide the opportunity to inform the public on other services.