Expectations for e-consultation

Reasons for Using E-technology

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 on 'by-laws' that was going to be undertaken by the organisation in the near future.

Managing Expectations

For their part, the researchers went to pains to stress the importance of employing adequate resources in running a consultation, particularly with respect to:

1. publicising the consultation,
2. recruiting participants, and
3. managing the process.

Waterways Ireland indicated that they would run advertisements in local newspapers and some specialist publications, as well as approach some clients by phone in order to encourage them to participate.