The Western Development Commission (WDC) has received two finalist nominations in the Cross-Government Collaboration & Integration Award category at the Irish eGovernment Awards 2026, recognising the organisation’s commitment to partnership, innovation and delivering positive outcomes through collaboration.
The category celebrates projects that bring together government agencies, the private sector and civil society to address complex challenges through integrated approaches and shared expertise.
The two nominated WDC projects demonstrate the impact of collaboration at both regional and international levels.
Independent Socio-Economic Impact Analysis 2026
The first nominated project recognises the Independent Socio-Economic Impact Analysis 2026 of the Western Investment Fund (WIF), an independent assessment undertaken by Indecon Economic Consultants.
Commissioned by the WDC, the study provides the first comprehensive evaluation of the Western Investment Fund’s economic and social impact since its establishment in 2001. It highlights how the evergreen investment model has supported enterprise growth, employment, innovation and community development across the Western Region while leveraging significant additional public and private investment.
The analysis demonstrates the value of long-term collaboration between government, enterprise agencies, higher education institutions, private investors and regional stakeholders in delivering sustainable regional development.
N-LITE Project
The second finalist nomination recognises the N-LITE (Literary Tourism Immersive Technology Acceleration) project, a €1.5 million Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme initiative led by the WDC in partnership with organisations across Ireland, Finland, Norway, Sweden and the Faroe Islands.
N-LITE explored how immersive technologies, digital storytelling and gaming can improve access to culture, heritage and tourism in rural and peripheral regions. The project empowered SMEs, creatives, cultural organisations and young people to engage with digital innovation through international collaboration, skills development and knowledge sharing.
Among its achievements, the project developed the Tale Smiths immersive literary tourism game, supported more than 50 SMEs and cultural practitioners through innovation activities, and produced practical resources to help tourism and heritage organisations adopt immersive technologies.
Collaboration delivering impact
Together, the two finalist nominations reflect the WDC’s approach to working collaboratively across sectors, disciplines and borders to deliver meaningful outcomes for communities across the Western Region.
Whether supporting regional investment through evidence-based policy or fostering international partnerships that drive digital innovation, both projects demonstrate how collaboration can create lasting economic, social and cultural impact.
The WDC congratulates everyone involved in both initiatives and looks forward to the Irish eGovernment Awards 2026.
