Policy information
Digital Initiatives and Schemes
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
These initiatives come under the remit of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) to encourage digital innovation and development at local level.
WiFi4EU promotes free access to Wi-Fi for people in public spaces such as parks, squares, libraries, health centres and museums.
Each local authority that receives a WiFi4EU voucher is guaranteed up to €15,000 from the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD).
These vouchers are distributed by the European Commission. They are used to install Wi-Fi in public spaces that aren't already equipped.
The Digital Innovation Programme encourages local projects that support digital development. This allows them to be piloted before being scaled up or replicated elsewhere.
Projects must promote, support, or advance at least one of the seven pillars:
Projects that cut across more than one pillar are particularly welcome.
These projects will provide innovative digital solutions to local issues. They will also help to establish telecommunications and support local economies.
A new call is open for local authorities (in partnership with state bodies) with a closing date of 23 July 2021.
For further information email rdi@drcd.gov.ie
The Department of Rural and Community Development, in partnership with local authority Broadband Officers and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, has identified approx. 300 sites around the country to act as Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) under the Connected Communities Initiative.
BCPs will be located in buildings such as community centres and sports clubs. These communities will be provided with a wireless broadband connection and will in turn make this available to the public onsite.
BCPs are located in some of the most rural communities throughout each local authority area, including islands off Donegal, Mayo, Galway and Cork. BCP sites have been prioritised for connection within the first 12 months of the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan,
It is planned that the BCPs will give local people the opportunity to avail of public online services and accessing government services in addition to encouraging remote working for those affected by the current Covid 19 restrictions.