Free public Wifi is now available in parts of Portlaoise Town centre following the launch of a new European initiative which promotes free connectivity within public spaces.
There is now free access to Wifi in public spaces in Portlaoise such as Hynds Square, Market Square, Fitzmaurice Place and the Plaza at County Hall – and the project is set to be rolled out to other Laois towns and villages during the summer months.
Portarlington, Stradbally, Abbeyleix, Mountmellick, Mountrath, Camross are all set to benefit from the scheme as well.
The full capital cost for rolling out the WIFIF4EU in County Laois is €120,000 with the project being deployed in Portlaoise and the 3 Municipal Districts at a cost of €30,000 per district.
This is provided as part of an European Initiative WIFI4EU which promotes free WIFI within public spaces across the municipalities of the European Union.
The project is funded through the EU, to promote access to Wifi connectivity in public spaces in municipalities throughout Europe, with matching funding provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development for Wifi installation.
“Free WIFI in the town of Portlaoise is designed to enhance the public realm in the town and encourage people to come into the town centre and avail of all the services in tandem with this free service,” said Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Conor Bergin at the launch
“The Project has been carried out by Gerry Buckley and his team from NIS Ltd based in Midlands, on behalf of Laois County Council who have installed the infrastructure to deliver the Service.
“We wish to thank him and his team for their engagement with all stakeholders and timely roll out of the service.
Antoinette Brennan, The Broadband Officer in Laois County Council, said it was a very exciting day for the town of Portlaoise as it is the very first time Laois County Council can offer Free Wifi in public places throughout the town.
“This would not have been possible without the support of local businesses that are among locations servicing their area.
“We would like to thank them for coming on board to support this initiative and in doing so have facilitated Laois County Council with access to broadband. In Portlaoise there are 12 outdoor access points.”
Ms Brennan explained that accessing WIFI4EU is a straightforward process that does not require the user to input any personal information or passwords.
As part of the implementation, all safeguards in relation to web content filtering will be put in place. This will ensure that only content deemed to be safe can be viewed on the internet by users.
“Connectivity throughout the county is more important than ever, and the launch of WIFI4EU is a landmark project for Portlaoise,” added Caroline Hofman Chief Executive of Laois Chamber.
“This project will further enhance connectivity in the town, making Portlaoise an even more attractive place to live, work and visit.”
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