An innovative partnership between Fingal County Council and Digital Twin solutions company, and UTA Member, RealSim has garnered significant recognition at the Ireland eGovernment Awards. Fingal County Council’s groundbreaking use of virtual reality (VR) in public services, developed with RealSim’s expertise, earned the council three awards, including the prestigious Overall Winner title.
Fingal County Council, committed to improving public engagement and enhancing transparency in urban planning, has embraced a forward-thinking approach to technology adoption. Key to this success was RealSim’s development of Ireland’s first publicly accessible 3D web viewer for a local authority. Building on that foundation, RealSim collaborated with Fingal to create the award-winning VR 3D Planning Consultations platform. This project was instrumental in Fingal being named the Overall Winner and also secured the Smart Cities Category award.
The VR 3D Planning Consultations project is transforming how citizens interact with urban planning initiatives. By leveraging RealSim’s expertise in creating immersive 3D models, the platform offers a unique opportunity for the public to experience proposed developments—such as the Balbriggan Harbour improvements—in stunning detail through VR headsets. This eliminates the challenges often associated with interpreting traditional architectural plans and fosters a deeper understanding and engagement among residents.
Judges at the Ireland eGovernment Awards praised the project’s innovative approach, highlighting how it enhances civic transparency and encourages greater public participation. Mary Egan, Fingal’s Director of Digital Services, noted: “Our collaboration with RealSim demonstrates our progressive approach to community engagement and service delivery. By adopting advanced technology like VR and 3D modeling, we are improving accessibility and offering user-focused, interactive public services.”
The recognition at the Ireland eGovernment Awards underscores the transformative potential of RealSim’s Digital Twin solutions. By providing residents with real-time, immersive insights into future developments, the VR 3D Planning Consultations platform has redefined how public planning is conducted in Ireland. Fingal’s achievements reflect the successful integration of RealSim’s technology into their digital services strategy.
Additionally, Fingal’s VR for Libraries initiative, which secured the Education Category award, extends the council’s commitment to leveraging VR technology for public benefit. While this project focuses on educational outcomes, it further illustrates Fingal’s dedication to making emerging technologies accessible to diverse audiences. The initiative includes 11 Oculus Quest 2 and one Oculus Quest Pro VR headsets across five libraries, supported by VR champions who assist users in exploring this innovative technology.
Maeve Kneafsey, Founder and Director of the Ireland eGovernment Awards, commented: “Fingal County Council has transformed urban planning by developing Ireland’s first virtual reality public consultation platform, allowing citizens to experience proposed public projects in an entirely new way.” This sentiment reinforces RealSim’s role as a vital partner in delivering this transformative solution.
RealSim’s involvement has been pivotal in enabling Fingal to push the boundaries of public service innovation. By merging advanced VR capabilities with civic planning, RealSim has contributed to a trailblazing approach that sets a benchmark for local authorities across Ireland and beyond.
As RealSim continues to explore new frontiers in Digital Twin and VR technologies, the company is honored to have been part of Fingal County Council’s journey. Together, they have also demonstrated the power of technology to revolutionize public engagement and urban planning.
Reference: https://www.fingal.ie/news/use-vr-3d-sees-fingal-pick-three-major-national-awards
