Craigavon app first of its kind in Nl

Pictured at the launch of the locali App at Craigavon Civic Centre are back row from left, Paul Kavanagh, economic development officer, Craigavon Borough Council, Theresa Donaldson, Council chief executive, gareth Verner, Portadown Football Club, Councillor Darryn Causby, Nicola Wilson, head of economic development, Craigavon Borough Council, and Geraldine Lawless, USEL. Frontfrom left, Alistair Fee, Queen's University, Nick Hutchinson, BNL Productions and Mayor of Craigavon, Councillor Carla Lockhart. INPT18-219.

‘Locali App’ was developed by BNL Productions in partnership with Craigavon Borough Council and Queen’s University Belfast after they won a national ‘Destination Local’ competition held by UK organisation NESTA.

Locali aims to offer a one-stop shop by linking community groups, council, businesses and the local media so people in the area can find out about the latest events running, road works, pharmacy rotas, opening times of facilities, offers from businesses and lots more - all streamlined to their phone or tablet.

Community groups and local business can use it to promote their business and services and it will also complement existing media information allowing the public to access their local websites.

“We are delighted to be at the forefront of technology in Northern Ireland with the Locali App,” said Mayor of Craigavon, Councillor Carla Lockhart.

“It shows that Craigavon is moving with the digital age and embracing the use of technology for the benefit of both residents and our businesses. We hope everyone will download the app and make good use of it as a portal to everything that is happening in your area!”

Nick Hutchinson from BNL Productions said: “Locali is an interactive communication platform that can be used by the community and businesses alike. The app feeds in live local information from organisations, community groups and local press feeds for people to access and the offers section allows businesses throughout the borough to use the app to help create a more active town centre and encourage local spending.

“Craigavon Council is certainly a go-ahead council; one that is serious about forging effective links in the area. The Locali App is an exciting way of engaging with everyone across the community. The content will keep Craigavon in daily touch with activities and it will be interesting to see how ‘crowd sourcing’ feedback will improve council activities.”

Said Alistair Fee, International Business Strategist and member of the European Innovation Academy, Queen’s University Belfast: “Using smart phones to inform and be informed is key to giving and receiving up to the minute information that can help everyone. Locali is innovation, creative thinking and common sense rolled into one. Well done Craigavon.”

Locali is available from the App Store and Google Play or log onto www.localiapp.co.uk for more information.