Tánaiste Launches South Dublin Domain Internet Project

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Harney today (Friday 24th March, 2000) launched the South Dublin Domain Internet Project (www.southdublin.ie) in the Civic Theatre in Tallaght.

The South Dublin Internet Domain Group, where most of the key local and state agencies are represented, was established to capitalise on the ongoing success and expansion of the Eircom Information Age Town Project throughout the country. The aim of the group is to create structures in order to provide access to the Internet and the World Wide Web for all communities in South Dublin.

Speaking at the launch the Tánaiste said "Letting your fingers do the walking has taken on new meaning since the arrival of the Internet. Information at your fingertips has never been more relevant, and to some people more terrifying. It is now clear that large sections of commercial, social and indeed public life are moving onto the Internet and this is happening with startling speed. Instant global communications will almost certainly be a feature of everyday life. This is something we should welcome. While it can be daunting to come to terms with these new way of communicating, the rewards are enormous, both for individuals and for society at large. The Internet serves as an invaluable source of information for those who utilise its services on a daily basis."

The South Dublin Domain Internet Project have developed a portal website which guides people to all various services available in the county. The project also acts as the County Internet Publishers for South Dublin in the Eircom, Local Ireland initiative. Local Ireland is a website for Ireland and within this site, communities throughout Ireland are invited to set up and maintain their own sections. Therefore enabling local community groups to have their information posted on the Local Ireland network.

Throughout South Dublin County there is a series of Public Internet Access Points which offer members of the public an opportunity to access the Internet and the World Wide Web. A major public access route is through the Library Service in South Dublin County Council. Many state and local organisations such as South Dublin Enterprise Board, South Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Lucan 2000, Clondalkin and Tallaght Partnerships and FÁS, also offer varying levels of public access, particularly to their client audiences.

The project also intends to establish public internet kiosks where people will be able to access the internet on a "pay per use" basis in public places such as hotels, garages and shopping centre.

The Tánaiste said "The Government has a crucial role to play in ensuring that Ireland keeps fully up to speed with the technological revolution. Certainly, the Government must provide adequate funding for science and technology and put the necessary resources into our centres of science and higher education. But Governments themselves cannot create technological advance - they can only facilitate it. This Government is taking a pro-active and integrated approach to meeting the challenges presented by the new technologies. The Government is actively pushing for low-cost Internet access for Irish businesses and consumers alike in order to dramatically increase our Internet usage levels."

The Tánaiste said "The importance of the Internet cannot be over-stated. Within 2/3 Years the Internet will have created a single market of over 3000 million computer-based consumers world-wide. Already, E-Commerce transactions are estimated to be worth over $1000 billion per annum. But by 2003, the value of these transactions is expected to have risen to a least $1.3 trillion per annum."

The Tánaiste concluded "To ensure that information technology fulfils its potential for creating a more equal society, it is essential that this technology is promoted and demonstrated equally in disadvantaged areas and that everyone has access to its use. Projects such as the South Dublin Domain Internet project is a prime example of the type of initiative which should be commended and encouraged and I would like to wish all those associated with the project every success."