2KM From Home, the online tool that enables people to identify their individual lockdown travel limits, has been revealed as the winner of the Special Covid-19 Response Award at the Ireland Chapter of Project Management Institute’s (PMI) National Project Awards, held in partnership with PwC. 

Developer Dave Bolger created the 2KM From Home website on the evening of 27 March 2020, following the Government’s announcement that day of travel restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19. The website’s map allowed the public to easily visualise what radius they could travel and exercise within under the then-2km limit and was adapted to include other distances as restrictions evolved. On the first day of operation, over 800,000 people visited the site.   

A further five winners, all excelling within the project management discipline, were also announced at the virtual awards ceremony.

Speaking about the award-winners, President of the Ireland Chapter of PMI Jackie Glynn, said: “Over the past year, we have seen exceptional work and resilience from those working within all facets of the project management industry, in circumstances unlike any experienced before. From prioritising public health here and overseas to pivoting services to ensure customer experience, we were truly impressed by the standard of the submissions. The winners announced today exemplify the best in our profession and highlight the myriad benefits effective project management brings to an organisation.   

“The response to this year’s Covid-19 Response Award was also phenomenal, with almost 3,000 of public votes cast for our shortlist of worthy entrants. Our winner 2KM From Home is a project that has had a tangible impact on our day-to-day lives. In March 2020, there was so much uncertainty about the practical implications of the newly introduced travel restrictions. Dave Bolger analysed the issue, and within 24 hours, had delivered an easy-to-use platform that solved an immediate problem facing the public in Ireland, and globally.”  

Féilim Harvey, Partner in PwC, heading up their Portfolio and Programme Management Practice in Ireland, and Awards sponsor, commented: “PwC is delighted to once again support the National Project Awards celebrating project management excellence throughout Ireland. 

“Project managers are integral to success in Irish business and our ability to remain agile and competitive. This has been tested more than ever over the last twelve months through the pandemic. Project Managers have responded to this challenge and we have seen amazing projects undertaken to keep our people safe; to reach customers in different way through lockdown; and indeed to allow many of us to work from home. 

“Our recent 2021 Project Management Pulse Survey underlines the resilience of project management in Ireland and shows that project managers are confident about the future. There is a clear trend towards investment in digital technologies to enable project management as we adjust to the new ways of working.  Whilst Covid-19 has caused widespread disruption, our research shows it has also provided momentum and an opportunity to reconfigure our business models for the long term”.   

Ms. Glynn expressed her appreciation to the judging panel for their work in selecting the winners.  She also thanked the National Project Awards’ sponsors — PwC, along with Aspira, Breast Cancer Ireland, Institute of Public Administration and Progressive Financial Services.