Difference between revisions of "Waterways Ireland"
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== [[Expectations for e-consultation]] == | == [[Expectations for e-consultation]] == | ||
| + | Waterways Ireland wanted to utilise e-technology for two key reasons: | ||
| + | 1. To open up the consultation to the general public. | ||
| + | 2. To simplify the dissemination of complex and legalistic documentation. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Waterways Ireland viewed this consultation as a ‘trial run’ for another, major consultation that was going to be undertaken in the near future. | ||
| + | |||
| + | To manage expectations Waterways Ireland ran advertisements in local newspapers and some specialist publications. Organisers also phoned some clients to encourage participation. | ||
== [[The e-consultation]] == | == [[The e-consultation]] == | ||
== [[Outcomes]] == | == [[Outcomes]] == | ||
Revision as of 22:46, 5 March 2007
Contents
Overview and Learning Outcomes
The first trial was run with Waterways Ireland. Two very basic problems emerged to counteract the effectiveness of the consultation:
- Insufficient resource allocation
- Complicated legal issue presented on an overly complicated web page
In short, more was learned about what not to do than what to do from this trial.
Context
History of Waterways
Established in 1999 as one of six North/South Implementation Bodies, Waterways Ireland is responsible for inland waterways, principally for recreational purposes throughout Ireland (North and South).
A need for Equality
In 2005, as part of their ‘Equality Quality Assessment' (EQA), Waterways Ireland wished to establish a process of policy-making and screening in order to evaluate and ensure equality in all its policy operations.
Why E-Consultation?
Waterways Ireland decided to embark on an e-consultation process as part of their first Section 75 consultation on this issue. A key reason for adopting e-consultation was to increase engagement with the general public, as well as its usual clients.
Process and Planning
Waterways Ireland's E-Consultation concentrated on:
- The Internal Screening Process
- Policies for the Equality Impact Assessment
The consultation organisers adopted both traditional (non-technological) and technological elements in the consultation process. The electronic communications component that was new to them.
The website allowed potential respondents could browse online consultation documents and leave comments on discussion forums. Consultation organisers could also enter the first questions on to discussion forums to start off discussions. Each part of the website was reviewed by the organisers.
Expectations for e-consultation
Waterways Ireland wanted to utilise e-technology for two key reasons:
1. To open up the consultation to the general public. 2. To simplify the dissemination of complex and legalistic documentation.
Waterways Ireland viewed this consultation as a ‘trial run’ for another, major consultation that was going to be undertaken in the near future.
To manage expectations Waterways Ireland ran advertisements in local newspapers and some specialist publications. Organisers also phoned some clients to encourage participation.
