Oldcastle gets WiFi roll out

Having successfully delivered the WIFI4EU network in Kells and Navan, Meath County Council is delivering the European Commission’s programme throughout the rest of the county.

Meath County Council cathaoirleach, Cllr Sean Drew, and cathaoirleach of Kells Municipal District Cllr Mike Bray, along with Deputy Johnny Guirke, Paula McCaul, County Meath Chamber, and Dr Paula McKevitt from Oldcastle launched WIFI4EU in Oldcastle.

Cllr Drew welcomed the continued rollout of the WIFI4EU network in the county. “The WIFI4EU network is already proving very beneficial for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

"To date in the county, the free public network has been rolled out in Navan, Kells and now Oldcastle. Over 2000 users per week are already utilising the network while they are visiting the county’s towns.

The WIFI4EU programme involves the investment of over €120 million across the European Union for the introduction of freely accessible high speed WIFI.

The programme in Ireland has also been supported with match funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Cllr Mike Bray was glad to see the network extending to Oldcastle: “The network was first delivered in Kells and has been well used. Over the last six months, almost 5,000 different users have logged on to the network in the town.

"I look forward to seeing the usage of the network in Oldcastle in the coming weeks.”

Deputy Johnny Guirke added: “I’m glad I was able to help the council to deliver the network in my home town. Broadband services in north Meath are not delivering for everyone."

The network saw an average of over 1500 clients per day in March 2022 and continues to see growth in users as towns are connected across the county.

Paula McCaul from County Meath Chambers welcomed the delivery of services in Oldcastle commenting: “It is clear there is a demand for these services and that the chamber will now work with its members to exploit the opportunities it provides for businesses in the county.”

Cormac McCann, Broadband Officer for Meath County Council, wanted to thank the businesses who have supported the initiative.

He went on to say “the WIFI4EU delivers a new level of connectivity for residents and businesses in Meath.

“The network is free and easy to use so I look forward to seeing increased users availing of the network.”