Treacy Welcomes CAIT Initiative Sanction for South- East Galway

This new Initiative evolved through the work of our Information Society Commission. The Commission identified a number of social groupings in Irish Society, who are not familiar with, and who do not use new technologies. The purpose of the CAIT Initiative is to encourage certain groupings to use more and become familiar with the new technologies in their everyday life.

Minister Treacy said "I am delighted that South East Galway I.R.D. has been selected for the CAIT Initiative and has been allocated £88,500 ( € 112371.81 ) in funding. Through this exciting and innovative Initiative, SE Galway I.R.D. aims to undertake, assist and encourage community self-help and enterprise projects in South East Galway, thereby making the Region a more attractive place for to live, work and invest in. The work of the company centres on learning with, as opposed to learning about, technology."

The work of SE Galway I.R.D. can be summarised under the following headings; Community Resource Office, Support to Community Groups, Promotion of Enterprise and support to the more vulnerable members of the community. The company will also give a voice to South East Galway on issues of local and regional importance.

Minister Treacy continued "As Minister for Science and Technology, I am very aware of the enormous benefits and opportunities available through the use of technology for the people of our community. Many fear that the rapid advances in technology will increase the sense of isolation felt among the more vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our society. But, used wisely, it can instead serve as a tool which can enhance and enrich our sense of community and participation. Using the website and other forms of technology, it is possible for individuals and organisations to forge stronger links through developing useful business, education and social networks, both in Ireland and world-wide. Many of our East Galway schools, businesses and organisations have already embraced technology and have developed websites of their own, so I feel it is timely that all of the people of our community, have the opportunity to experience the benefits of information technology."

Minister Treacy concluded "The Information Society cannot be a society of the elite few. The Internet cannot become a network of the elite. It began life as a network of the people and must remain a network for the people. I am delighted that the People of east Galway will benefit from this exciting new project and I am proud to have been involved with both the project and the community, during the entire process."