South Dublin County Council has become the latest local authority to go online with the official opening earlier this week of its new Web site (http://www.sdcc.ie).

It provides a comprehensive guide to the activities of the council, its various sections, and services available to the community. The site was designed and developed by Irish Trade Web. Other local authorities - including councils in Cork, Wexford and Wicklow - have already set up Web sites.

"If just one company chose to settle in Grange Castle Business Park through looking at the Web site, then it would make the investment worthwhile. The initiative is also about opening up local government, and making it more accessible," says Mr Billy Leonard, senior systems analyst with South Dublin County Council.

The long-term plan is to increase the information service by publishing housing loan applications, planning decisions and minutes of council meetings as they happen.