Free Wi-Fi connectivity connection points in Castlebar and Balla

THE WiFi4EU initiative, which promotes free access to Wi-Fi connectivity for citizens in public spaces, is to be rolled out across a number of Mayo towns.

In relation to the Castlebar district, the county town itself and Balla will be included in the scheme, local Councillor Michael Kilcoyne has confirmed.

Mayo County Council has received €120,000 to assist this free public Wi-Fi project - €60,000 in European funding with matched funding to be provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development. This comes in four vouchers, one for each of the county's municipal districts.

The vouchers will be used to install Wi-Fi equipment in public spaces within the municipality that are not already equipped with a free Wi-Fi hotspot.

The works are being carried out on behalf of Mayo County Council by local provider Westnet.

In Castlebar Municipal District, the towns of Castlebar and Balla will be included in the scheme.

The next step in the project will see the council contacting business owners to host the equipment on their buildings. This process will start in the next few weeks.