.IE, the national registry for .ie domain names, has confirmed that Athlone’s digital television station for the Polish community has been shortlisted in the annual .IE awards.
The awards, now in their third year, and have welcomed Vodafone as a partner for 2023, recognise and reward projects created by town groups and local communities that have a digital element, supporting Ireland’s digital development. .IE provides the pathway for people, communities and businesses to access and unlock a digital world of potential and opportunity by managing the infrastructure that allows this to happen.
Athlone’s Polish TV has been shortlisted in both the ‘Newcomer’ and ‘Rising Star’ categories. Polish TV has created a pioneering opportunity to use digital technology to tell the stories of the community in a modern way. It has over 50 recordings and live streams available on the internet channel which provides informative programmes for Polish migrants, consisting of interviews with experts who talk about various aspects of Irish civil society.
In addition, national suicide charity Turn2Me, has also been shortlisted in the Community category. The fully online, digital platform offers free counselling and peer support in a safe, anonymous confidential space, eliminating barriers to accessing support including cost, waiting lists and travel time.
“At .IE, our purpose is to enable and empower people, communities and businesses across Ireland to thrive online and we are advocates for all things digital at all levels. The .IE Digital Town Awards are a celebration of the incredible work being undertaken at a local level to promote innovation and breathe new life into local communities. The awards also afford the opportunity to recognise and show appreciation to the volunteers across the country who devote their spare time working tirelessly to enhance their local area, towns and villages and we look forward to celebrating all of our finalists at our Gala Awards ceremony in May,” congratulating the finalists, National Director, .IE Digital Town Programme Oonagh McCutcheon said
The awards offer a prize fund of €100,000 which is split across the 10 categories.
