When assessing local government digital solutions judges prioritise efficiency, accessibility, and citizen engagement. Entries can demonstrate innovative use of digital platforms to streamline services, facilitate transparent communication, and empower residents to participate in decision-making processes. Judges value solutions that prioritise user experience, ensuring accessibility for all residents regardless of technological proficiency. Additionally, they look for evidence of data security measures, scalability, and collaboration with community stakeholders and effectiveness of online solutions in enhancing local governance and improving quality of life.

This category is open to State funded organisations across the island of Ireland that demonstrate excellence in the marketing and/or in the use of social media. The judges are looking for projects that demonstrate innovative use of social platforms, compelling content, and data-driven strategies to amplify the public sector’s message. Judges value evidence of measurable impact, audience reach, and responsiveness to feedback, ensuring effective communication and public trust in governmental initiatives.

This category is open to those organisations whose use of the web promotes the island of Ireland to encourage investment, trade, tourism, international relations, education, peace and cross-border cooperation. Winning entries showcase innovative approaches leveraging digital platforms to engage global audiences, attract investment, and foster international collaboration. Judges value solutions that effectively communicate Ireland’s strengths, heritage, and values while facilitating connections with key stakeholders abroad.

For the AI and Governance category the judges are looking for projects that exemplify the transformative potential of AI in enhancing governance, promoting innovation, and improving outcomes for citizens, while upholding principles of transparency, accountability, and ethical responsibility. We are looking for projects that leverage AI in novel ways to enhance governance processes, improve service delivery, or address societal challenges. Innovation may involve the use of cutting-edge AI technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, or computer vision. Entries should articulate tangible outcomes such as: efficiency, cost savings, citizen engagement, and the delivery of public services.

When judging the Open Data category within the public sector our judges are looking for initiatives that demonstrate comprehensive data accessibility, usability, and societal impact. Winning projects will have prioritised transparency by making data readily available in open formats, encourage citizen engagement through data-driven decision-making, and showcase innovative uses of open data to address public challenges. Additionally, judges will evaluate the projects ability to foster collaboration and empower stakeholders across government, academia, industry, and civil society.

This general category is open to any government-funded service across the island of Ireland that, through the use of the digital solutions, improves the efficiency, customer service, reputation, experience or overall standing of Ireland either at home or internationally.