47 free outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots launched across Fingal

Free public outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots in towns and villages across Fingal were launched today by the Mayor of Fingal Seána Ó Rodaigh.

A total of 47 Wi-Fi access points have been installed in 18 locations throughout Fingal.

There are seven live access points in Swords, with five in Malahide, Howth and Skerries and four in Rush.

Donabate and Blanchardstown Village will have three live access points with two in Lusk, Naul, Blanchardstown Civic Centre and St. Catherine’s Park. Garristown, Portrane, Portmarnock, Clonsilla, Castleknock, Mudhuddart and Ongar will have one live access point each.

Councillor Pamela Conroy, Chair of the Blanchardstown Area Committee, was in Blanchardstown to launch the six schemes in the Dublin 15 area.

Councillor Eoghan O’Brien, Chair of the Howth-Malahide Area Committee was in New Street, Malahide, to launch the three schemes in that area.

Councillor Ó Rodaigh was also on hand to launch the Wi-Fi for Skerries, Lusk, Rush, Garristown and the Naul at an event on Strand Street, Skerries.

“I am delighted, along with the Minister and Chairs of the three Area Committees, to launch the free outdoor public Wi-Fi in Fingal today,” Ó Rodaigh said.

“It was wonderful to see how many local businesses supported this initiative to give our towns and villages free public Wi-Fi.”

The live access points are mounted on the outside of participating businesses premises and each has a range of 150m outside but will not extend inside the business premises or interfere with the businesses’ own broadband.

Local TD and Minister Joe O’Brien said: “It is great to see this free service go live in Fingal.

“Public Wi-Fi means no mobile data fees for accessing the internet or using the apps that we all rely on.

“I want to commend Fingal County Council for their excellent work during a very challenging time, this is a forward looking and genuinely helpful project that many of us in the area will benefit from.”

Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly said: “This initiative forms part of the Council’s Digital Strategy which aims to make Fingal the place of choice to live, work, visit and do business in Ireland.

“Having access to free public Wi-Fi is a huge asset to our residents, visitors and businesses and shows Fingal as the progressive and digitally inclusive area it is.”