First on the Scene for Galway’s Free Wi-Fi Hotspots

Free Wifi Hotspots in Galway:

In this digital age, we all need access to WiFi. When going out in Galway city, it is vital to be able to see what’s happening.  Whether its where to eat, to stay or play, it has to be accessed at the touch of a button. Now, the digital landscape in Galway city has taken a major leap forward.  As a result of a new initiative, we have better access to free WiFi, thanks to Galway City Council.

Scene in Galway:

Fortunatley, the Scene in Galway team are quick off the mark as one of the first to use this new free Wi-Fi service.  Under the WiFi4EU initiative, internet hotspots are located across the city. From Doughiska to Renmore, Terryland to Salthill, WiFi can be accessed free of charge. To highlight this, the official launch took place at Eyre Square, in the heart of Galway. In effect, this is just one of the city wide rollout locations. Under the scheme, you can now access free WiFi from this central hotspot. Furthermore, we took the opportunity to share our latest Scene in Galway guide with Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Collette Connolly.

“We are delighted to be at the launch of this new initiative,” says Scene in Galway’s Gary Vaughan. “And we look forward to using the free service as we continue to build our brand throughout the city. As well as this, I am so grateful to Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Collette Connolly, for taking the time to read our latest edition of Scene in Galway.”

Fundamentally, the city-wide rollout is part of WiFi4EU. All in all, the WiFi4EU project promotes free access to Wi-Fi in public spaces. For example, parks, squares, public buildings, libraries, health centres and museums located in European towns and cities. As a result, Galway City Council received €120k funding for the scheme in a 50/50 split between WiFi4EU and the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Connecting Galway:

According to Galway City Mayor, Collette Connolly, this initiative will enhance connection to Galway for people of all ages.

“This is great news for Galway city,” she says. “It offers everyone the opportunity to access the internet for free in a large number of public areas right across the city. What is more, this free Wi-Fi access will allow people of all ages to keep connected. Everyone can search for directions, look up local businesses, book public transport and find all that Galway city has to offer.”

Communication:

For the Head of Information Technology with Galway City Council, Elaine Naughton, “the internet is a fundamental part of our everyday lives.” She outlines how posters will be placed at all the new WiFi hotspots.

“These newly installed points will supplement the existing free Wi-Fi in the city centre,” she says. “We will have posters at each of the hotspot locations. Essentially, this is to let people know they can connect to the internet for free at those places.”

Details of the list of the new locations, including an online map, can be found at: http://www.galwaycity.ie/wifi4eu