04/06/2021
New 'Civic Dollars' App Launches In NI
A new 'Civic Dollars' mobile phone app, developed with support from Belfast City Council and the Department of Justice, means that people can now earn rewards for the time they spend in their local parks and open spaces.
The Connswater Community Greenway will be the first area to go live in the free pilot scheme, followed by other parks across the city. Funded through the 'Amazing Spaces, Smart Places' project, the scheme is part of the council's Smart Belfast programme, which is exploring how data and innovative technologies can create smart solutions for urban challenges and help to improve city services.
Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl said: "Exercising outside and connecting with nature really can help our mental wellbeing. So it’s fantastic that, thanks to this pilot scheme, people can now earn Civic Dollars for the time they spend in our parks and open spaces. They can enjoy rewards including Translink DayLink passes and tickets to visitor attractions or support their local community group by donating Civic Dollars to them.
"The Civic Dollars app also provides a promotional platform for local businesses, services and events - and the insights we’ll gather will help us to better understand how people use green spaces, improve park management, reduce vandalism, littering and anti-social behaviour and enhance the visitor experience."
A number of Belfast-based community groups can benefit from donated Civic Dollars, exchanging them for various services such as business training, professional advice and activity centre sessions.
The 'Amazing Spaces, Smart Places' project is jointly funded by Belfast City Council and the Department of Justice via the Department for the Economy’s Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), which enables the public sector to tap into new ideas and technologies created by innovative local businesses. It also gives innovators a great opportunity to trial and test their prototype in a supportive real-world environment as part of their product development.
Justice Minister, Naomi Long said: "Effectively managing public open spaces is a key element in developing a safe community, where we respect the law and each other.
"The Civic Dollars pilot scheme holds the potential to deliver real benefits to local communities by using technology to improve the safe use of our parks and open spaces; something that is so important for both physical and mental health. Congratulations to all involved in this innovative pilot scheme and I look forward to hearing how it has progressed as more people use it in the coming weeks and months."
The Connswater Community Greenway will be the first area to go live in the free pilot scheme, followed by other parks across the city. Funded through the 'Amazing Spaces, Smart Places' project, the scheme is part of the council's Smart Belfast programme, which is exploring how data and innovative technologies can create smart solutions for urban challenges and help to improve city services.
Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl said: "Exercising outside and connecting with nature really can help our mental wellbeing. So it’s fantastic that, thanks to this pilot scheme, people can now earn Civic Dollars for the time they spend in our parks and open spaces. They can enjoy rewards including Translink DayLink passes and tickets to visitor attractions or support their local community group by donating Civic Dollars to them.
"The Civic Dollars app also provides a promotional platform for local businesses, services and events - and the insights we’ll gather will help us to better understand how people use green spaces, improve park management, reduce vandalism, littering and anti-social behaviour and enhance the visitor experience."
A number of Belfast-based community groups can benefit from donated Civic Dollars, exchanging them for various services such as business training, professional advice and activity centre sessions.
The 'Amazing Spaces, Smart Places' project is jointly funded by Belfast City Council and the Department of Justice via the Department for the Economy’s Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), which enables the public sector to tap into new ideas and technologies created by innovative local businesses. It also gives innovators a great opportunity to trial and test their prototype in a supportive real-world environment as part of their product development.
Justice Minister, Naomi Long said: "Effectively managing public open spaces is a key element in developing a safe community, where we respect the law and each other.
"The Civic Dollars pilot scheme holds the potential to deliver real benefits to local communities by using technology to improve the safe use of our parks and open spaces; something that is so important for both physical and mental health. Congratulations to all involved in this innovative pilot scheme and I look forward to hearing how it has progressed as more people use it in the coming weeks and months."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 March 2024
New 'Make it Local' Campaign Launched In Newry, Mourne and Down
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Department for Communities has launched a new 'Make It Local' public relations and advertising campaign, to urge residents to buy from and celebrate their local and independent businesses.
New 'Make it Local' Campaign Launched In Newry, Mourne and Down
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Department for Communities has launched a new 'Make It Local' public relations and advertising campaign, to urge residents to buy from and celebrate their local and independent businesses.
26 February 2024
Man Wanted On Murder Charge In Spain Arrested In Craigavon
A 22-year-old man wanted in Spain in connection with a murder investigation has been arrested in Craigavon. Officers from the PSNI's International Policing Unit and Lurgan Local Policing Team worked with the National Crime Agency and Spanish authorities to track the wanted person down to an address in the Craigavon area on Friday 23rd February.
Man Wanted On Murder Charge In Spain Arrested In Craigavon
A 22-year-old man wanted in Spain in connection with a murder investigation has been arrested in Craigavon. Officers from the PSNI's International Policing Unit and Lurgan Local Policing Team worked with the National Crime Agency and Spanish authorities to track the wanted person down to an address in the Craigavon area on Friday 23rd February.
13 February 2024
Lidl Plans Three New Stores In Bangor, Craigavon And Dungannon
Lidl Northern Ireland has launched plans for three new stores in Bangor, Craigavon and Dungannon, as part of their plans to enhance and expand its growing store network across the region.
Lidl Plans Three New Stores In Bangor, Craigavon And Dungannon
Lidl Northern Ireland has launched plans for three new stores in Bangor, Craigavon and Dungannon, as part of their plans to enhance and expand its growing store network across the region.
06 February 2024
Extended Reality Festival Returns To Belfast
An innovative arts festival is set to once again merge technology and art to create a unique virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experience for attendees. Belfast XR, now in its third year, specialises in curating worldclass immersive technology content that takes the art of storytelling to a new level.
Extended Reality Festival Returns To Belfast
An innovative arts festival is set to once again merge technology and art to create a unique virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experience for attendees. Belfast XR, now in its third year, specialises in curating worldclass immersive technology content that takes the art of storytelling to a new level.
01 February 2024
ABC Council Welcomes Joe Kennedy III And James Applegate
Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council has welcomed Mr. Joe Kennedy III, US Special Investment Envoy and James Applegate, US Consul General Belfast to The Palace in Armagh.
ABC Council Welcomes Joe Kennedy III And James Applegate
Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council has welcomed Mr. Joe Kennedy III, US Special Investment Envoy and James Applegate, US Consul General Belfast to The Palace in Armagh.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.