2.21 Information and Communications Technology and Broadband

Closed28 Feb, 2023, 3:54pm - 30 Apr, 2023, 5:00pm

Availability of high-speed, cost-competitive and reliable broadband underpins economic development and contributes to good quality of life for Limerick’s communities. The absence of such infrastructure makes it significantly more difficult to retain employment, attract new jobs, limits educational and entrepreneurial opportunities and access to services. High-speed, readily available and consistent broadband is crucial for Foreign Direct Investment, indigenous entrepreneurial opportunities and access to national and global markets.

Broadband Connection Points Rural Limerick

Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) provide-high speed broadband to local communities throughout rural Ireland.[1] Each BCP provides 150Mb high-speed broadband access to the local community. This enables people living in rural areas to access broadband at specific community locations for a range of uses including remote working, online services and keeping in touch with family and friends. There are 16 BCPs in County Limerick in areas including Rathkeale, Askeaton, Kildimo, Cappamore, Hospital and Galbally. Limerick City and County Council has worked in partnership with National Broadband Ireland, the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and Vodafone to install a 150Mbps radio broadband service in each location (300Mbps for a couple of the larger sites). This is made available by the BCP for public use both inside and outside the premises.

Figure: Broadband Connection Points in Limerick 2022

Source: www.myconnectedcommunity.ie

Free Public WiFi

Limerick City and County Council’s Digital Services team has delivered 40 free public WiFi access points across the city and county under the WiFi4EU initiative in 2021. These are part-funded by the EU, the DRCD and LCCC. The WiFi4EU locations are Abbeyfeale, Adare, Askeaton, Bruff, Caherconlish, Cappamore, Castleconnell, Croom, Foynes, Kilmallock, Limerick Metro, Newcastle West, Patrickswell, and Rathkeale.

©Ordnance Survey Ireland/Govt. of Ireland 2021/OSi_NMA_141

 

[1] Data from LCCC Digital Strategy