Free EU public wifi switches on to boost coverage Laois town

Broadband Officer Antoinette Brennan, Rathdowney Regeneration officer Denise Rainey, Cllr John King, Director of Services Donal Brennan launching WiFi4EU in Rathdowney . Pic: Renata metelicka

placeholder image — Broadband Officer Antoinette Brennan, Rathdowney Regeneration officer Denise Rainey, Cllr John King, Director of Services Donal Brennan launching WiFi4EU in Rathdowney . Pic: Renata metelicka

Rathdowney the latest Laois town to get free public wireless internet service

Laois town Rathdowney is now a hub for free public wifi with the switch turned on a new service.

WiFi4EU is now turned on and available in Rathdowney Square and at the town’s Garden of Remembrance.

The scheme is overseen by Laois County Council’s broadband officer Antoinette Brennan.

She outlined the service to a full room of local residents, during the launch of the Rathdowney Town Centre First Plan, on December 12 in the Marian Centre.

Fine Gael Cllr John King addressing the attendance at the launch of Rathdowney Town First Plan and WiFi4EU. Pic: Renata Metelicka

“From my first meeting when I came out to Rathdowney, I knew there was good positivity in the town for this service.

“This offers free wifi in public areas. Laois County Council was very lucky two years ago to be awarded funding of €120,000 to put this throughout Laois at 50 locations.

“We have three here, two in the square which is a beautiful location and one at the lovely garden of remembrance. You can sit in your car or on a bench, your device will pick it up automatically, there is no log-in or password. It will be a wonderful asset for your town.

“If there is a market in the square, people will be able to use it to pay with their phones,” the broadband officer added.

The town is also switched on for Christmas, bedecked in bright new low energy LED lighting, with a boost from Laois County Council this year.