Residents and visitors to Galway City can now look out for a range of new, free Wi-Fi hotspots that have been rolled out in various public spaces across the city.
Galway City Council received the maximum allowance of funding of €60,000 under the WiFi4EU initiative, with a further €60,000 in matched funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development bringing the total to €120,000. The WiFi4EU initiative promotes free access to Wi-Fi connectivity for citizens in public spaces including parks, squares, public buildings, libraries, health centres and museums in towns and cities throughout Europe.
The new points are spread across the city and serve communities from Doughiska, to Ballinfoyle, to the city centre, and onwards to Salthill and Knocknacarra.
Speaking on the new access points, Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Colette Connolly said, “this is great news for Galway City, offering everyone the opportunity to access the Internet for free in a large number of public areas right across the city. This free Wi-Fi access will allow people of all ages to keep connected, search for directions, look up local businesses, book public transport and find all that Galway City has to offer.”
Head of Information Technology with Galway City Council, Elaine Naughton commented, “the internet is such a fundamental part of our everyday lives now, and especially as we embrace the Digital Strategy for Galway City. These newly installed points will supplement the existing free Wi-Fi in the city centre, extending to key public areas in our suburbs with high footfall. We will have posters at each of the hotspot locations, to let people know they can connect to the internet for free at those places.”
Philip Clapperton, Sales Director, Magnet Plus added, “Magnet+ , as the Wi-Fi partner chosen by Galway City Council, are excited to bring WiFi4EU services to multiple communities across Galway City. This multi-location WiFi4EU service will provide previously unavailable Wi-Fi services in these areas which will enhance the user experience when visiting these locations.”
Details of the list of the new locations, including an online map, can be found at: www.galwaycity.ie/wifi4eu.
Source: Galway City Council
