COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 13, 2013

QUESTION NO. 16

QUESTION: Councillor D. Looney

To ask the Manager to provide an update on the plans to roll out Wi-fi in Council community, recreation and parks facilities, as mandated in previous motions, and to make a statement on the matter?

REPLY:

Motion #3 from the Council meeting of April, 2012 refers (carried forward from Motion #11, February 2012).

South Dublin County Council continues to support the roll-out of free public Wi-Fi to our facilities.

As reported the Council provides free public wi-fi to a significant number of its locations.  Following on from previous activity and motions reaffirming the Council's support for the roll out of free wi-fi within Council facilities, the Council has proposed that free public wi-fi may be rolled out under the Council's village renewal activities.

Thus far, the Council has attempted to create these Wi-fi zones in Rathfarnham, Condalkin, and at Ballyroan.  It is disappointing to report that the proposals did not gather sufficient interest among the business community in both Rathfarnham and Clondalkin in order to proceed - this despite significant support from local business representatives and extensive effort by both Council staff and third party suppliers.  Logistical issues prevented proceeding in Ballyroan at the time.  Whilst this outcome is disappointing, the Council is committed to providing the wi-fi service at such a point where there is enough interest amongst local businesses to proceed.

On a positive note, we can report progress in relation to Lucan village.  The local business community have demonstrated with enthusiasm their willingness to embrace the concept and become a wi-fi enabled village.  To this end, the Council has worked with a third party supplier to begin to provide the required infrastructure on a pilot basis. This is due to be installed over the coming weeks.