Expanded rollout of WiFi4EU initiative in Mayo

- WiFi4EU initiative promotes free access to Wi-Fi connectivity for citizens in public spaces throughout European Union

- Service will now be extended to Balla, Ballinrobe, Castlebar and Claremorris before September 2021

- Wifi4EU in Ballina, Belmullet, Crossmolina, Newport and Swinford live since December 2020

Mayo TD Alan Dillon has welcomed confirmation that the WiFi4EU initiative will now be rolled-out further in Mayo with the service being extended to Balla, Ballinrobe, Castlebar and Claremorris before September 2021.

This builds on the existing Wifi4EU hotspots around Mayo located in Ballina, Belmullet, Crossmolina, Newport and Swinford, which have been live since December 2020.

Deputy Dillon said: “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 local authority areas throughout the European Union.

"The WiFi4EU initiative provides local authorities with the opportunity to apply for vouchers up to the value of €15,000.

"These vouchers are then used to install Wi-Fi equipment in public spaces that are not already equipped with a free Wi-Fi hotspot.

"In addition, the hotspots must be free of charge to the user and free from advertising.”

“The Wifi4EU initiative is a further step in the right direction for increasing the range of services available for tourists and shoppers in our towns and villages.

"I wish to commend our Broadband Officer in Mayo County Council, David Reddington, for his proactive approach in identifying funding opportunities at European level and rolling-out the hotspots in a range of locations throughout Mayo.

"It is excellent to see the draw-down of European funding at local level on initiatives which will make a real difference to the connectivity of our town and village centres.”