Project Overview
Smart Investment. Stronger Communities.
The DS³ (Smart Towns and Villages) Project received funding of €3.27 million under PEACEPLUS Theme 2.4 ,the Smart Towns and Villages Investment Area for a strategic investment in digital services, digital supports, and digital spaces to modernise, grow, and future-proof challenged towns and villages in the area known as the Central Border Region.
Led by ICBAN, with partners Cavan, Leitrim, Mid Ulster and Sligo Councils, Southern Regional College and Ulster University, and four associate partners: Armagh City Banbridge & Craigavon, Donegal and Monaghan Councils, and the Western Development Commission, the project is an exciting opportunity for businesses and communities in the Central Border Region to develop their digital skills. The project aims to enhance regional regeneration, through increasing the competitiveness of participating businesses, and the confidence of those in our communities to use the latest technologies.
Digital Mentoring & Inclusion
These project elements are managed by Southern Regional College and Leitrim County Council and provide for free digital mentoring, skills development and community-focused digital inclusion activities across seven council areas. For further information you can make contact with your local Council by clicking the link or by completing the Expression of Interest button below:
- Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council
- Cavan County Council
- Donegal County Council
- Leitrim County Council
- Mid Ulster District Council
- Monaghan County Council
- Sligo County Council
Participants can access:
A digital-skills needs assessment with a digital champion or mentor, and digital skills workshops covering topics such as:
- E-commerce and online sales
- Social media and digital marketing
- Cybersecurity and GDPR
- AI tools and automation
- Video and podcast production
- Cloud tools and collaboration
This programme will be of interest to SMEs, micro businesses, community/voluntary groups and individuals located in rural towns and villages with populations under 18,000, in the above listed council areas.
For further information please complete an Expression of Interest by clicking the button below.
Register Your InterestCross-Border Digital Innovation Initiatives
DS³ also includes two major cross-border digital innovation components: Mobile Digital Labs.
Two mobile labs will travel across council areas offering:
- Digital fabrication technologies &
- Digital multimedia tools
These labs support hands-on digital experimentation, complementing the digital learning workshops.
Alongside this, a new digital platform will help 14 towns and villages become smarter, more connected and future-ready by supporting new ideas, services, and digital collaboration.
Book a Mobile Digital Lab appointment:
Register Your Interest
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For additional details on our programmes, partnerships and participation opportunities, please contact us today.