merrion street

Minister for Communications Denis Naughten has today welcomed the launch of the European Commission’s WiFi4EU initiative which means public spaces across the country will get free WiFi hotspots. €120million is available to Local Authorities under the Scheme over the next three years.

Over the next three years each Local Authority can apply for ‘vouchers’ up to the value of €15,000 each, to fund the setup of free WiFi hotspots in town and village centres, libraries, museums, public parks or squares.  Local Authorities can apply for up to four (4) vouchers over the course of 3 years under this Scheme.

Welcoming today’s announcement by the European Commission Minister Naughten said:

I am delighted to finally see the launch today of WiFi4EU which will bring several new WiFi hotspots to communities across the country. Ireland has worked closely with other Member States in driving this Scheme and bringing it to fruition today.  I am encouraging local authorities to avail of this opportunity.  Today marks the first call for applications across the EU and Ireland can receive a minimum of 15 ‘vouchers’ each worth €15,000 which will be allocated on a first come first served basis so I am encouraging early applications.