Apps4Fingal Competition Gets Underway

11/14/2011 11:48:33 AM

Fingal County Council has identified that publishing open data, and stimulating the creation of mobile and online apps assists economic development, improves the quality of life for the whole community, and allows citizen participation and collaboration. November 9th saw the official launch of their “Apps4Fingal” competition which took place in Fingal Council Offices, Swords.

Apps4Fingal is a competition for developers to create mobile and/or online apps based on Fingal Open Data. Apps can be entered in three specific categories Tourism, Enterprise or Community. There will also be a grand prize for best overall project and additional awards for larger company recognition, best student and best idea.

Esri Ireland was present as sponsors and represented by Michael Byrne Account Executive. Commenting during the open key note address, he said “In terms of the greater good and benefit, we maintain that Geographic Information Systems bring a 4 to 1 return on investment. There is no reason why open data as a critical component of such systems, cannot deliver at least as much return”.

To listen to Michael Byrne’s key note address at the launch:Michael Byrne, Esri Ireland at the Apps4Fingal Official Launch

The competition will continue on December 3rd, whereby with the Apps4Fingal Development Day will be held at the Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown. At the development day, participants are invited to hear about Open Data in Fingal; develop ideas; form teams; consult with Council professionals; prototype ideas; pitch the project and build the first version of an App.

Esri Ireland is fully supportive of the Apps4Fingal & Fingal’s Open Data vision and will form part of the competition judging panel. The closing date for submissions is 9th January 2012.