COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 08, 2013

MOTION NO. 2

MOTION: Councillor A.M. Dermody

"That this Committee requests the Manager to provide free Wi-fi  in Rathfarnham village so as to encourage footfall and in turn support employment within our area."

REPORT:

Despite extensive attempts in Rathfarnham over the course of a number of months starting in July 2012 with local businesses to secure required access for Wi-Fi delivery - in terms of both property and broadband, it became apparent that at the time it wouldn't be possible to achieve the requirements satisfactorily.  Therefore regrettably the pilot project was moved and eventually delivered in Lucan. The experience in Lucan has been positive with upwards of 250 unique users availing of the facility each day (peaking recently with in excess of 300 users).  The Council have formally tendered for services to enable wifi broadband to be provided in other villages and the outcome of that particular tender is close to being decided. 

Should the motion be passed, the Council will revert to Rathfarnham on award of the tender detailed above and post evaluation of the pilot system in Lucan. However it must be noted that the co-operation of local business is required for an implementation to progress in any of the villages.  In it's absence the project couldn't possibly proceed.