WiFi4EU Scheme
The WiFi4EU initiative is a support scheme for the provision of free WiFi access in indoor or outdoor public spaces (e.g., public administrations premises, health centres, public parks and squares). This will bring communities more closely into the Digital Single Market, give users access to the Gigabit society, improve digital literacy and complement the public services provided in those spaces. Carlow County Council have been successful in securing funding under this scheme and are now planning to roll out a free public WiFi network across the county.
The funding takes the form of a voucher scheme. Carlow County Council secured the maximum FOUR vouchers permittable. The value of the individual voucher (€15,000) will be match funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) meaning a total of €30,000 per voucher area. The Wifi4EU voucher element must be drawn down directly from the EU outlined in the Request for Tender.
The tender has been published and awarded. The successful installation company, Voice Engineers Ireland, will recover the value of these vouchers directly from the EU via the WiFi4EU portal, and match funding from Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) once conditions outlined in Request for tender have been adhered to and the installation Report submitted and validated by all parties in the WiFi4EU portal.