New ‘TownPin’ app puts power in Dundalk residents’ hands
A Louth councillor has launched a new mobile and web app designed to make it easier for Dundalk residents to report everyday issues directly to their local representative.
Independent councillor Ciarán Fisher unveiled TownPin this week, describing it as a “citizen reporting tool” that will allow people to flag problems such as potholes, blocked drains, broken street lights, damaged footpaths, illegal dumping, overgrown vegetation, graffiti and burst pipes.
“The people of Dundalk are the eyes and ears of the town, and are best placed to tell us where the problems are,” he said.
He added that as the app usage develops it could also become a vital tool for people to alert their local councillor of flooding in their area.
Reports generated through TownPin come directly to Cllr Fisher, who then follows up with Louth County Council to ensure they are logged and scheduled for repair. While initially being piloted in Dundalk, he said there is potential to expand its use to other councillors and municipal districts depending on uptake and feedback.
The app, which has been in development for several months, allows users to drop a pin on a live map at the exact location of an issue, select a category, upload a photo and submit a short description.
Cllr. Fisher, a secondary school teacher, said this is his first venture into app design, but one he hopes will streamline how people raise concerns about local maintenance.
“This isn’t a criticism of the council or the council workers — they are facing a tough job at times, and in fairness every pothole I have reported to them has been filled,” he said. “I think this app will help the council in their response to reports going forward.”
Because he is overseeing the system, he said he will act as a “filter” to verify that complaints are genuine and to avoid duplicate reports.
“Unlike traditional phone calls, emails, or existing limited online options — which often lack easy mapping or photo support — TownPin provides clear, visual, geolocated reports that reduce confusion, duplicates and delays,” he said.
Cllr Fisher added that many people ask him how to report issues themselves but are unsure which authority or website to contact, especially given the range of separate portals for water and other services.
“One obvious avenue is through councillors, but there are fragmented online portals, websites and numbers depending on the issue. TownPin changes that — it’s quick, mobile-friendly, and puts the power in people’s hands to document issues clearly and get them to me directly so I can chase a resolution.”
He said the pinned map location, photo and description help ensure accurate information is passed on to council staff, leading to fewer delays and misunderstandings.
“The goal is to make reporting clearer and more straightforward for everyone,” he said.
He stressed the app is aimed at everyday maintenance problems and is not intended for emergency situations.
TownPin is free to use. More information is available at www.townpin.ie.