Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2017
632. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department or a body under its aegis has plans to introduce incentives or funding for individual businesses or local authorities to provide free Wi-Fi hotspots, in particular in small urban or rural areas, for tourism promotion; and if he will examine proposals to increase the number of free Wi-Fi hotspots. [22065/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment policy concerning the provision of digital connectivity is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. I understand the forthcoming implementation of the National Broadband Plan will ensure that "next generation broadband" will become widely available in areas where broadband speeds are currently inadequate.
While I have no plans along the lines suggested by the Deputy, my Department's Tourism Action Plan 2016-2018 does commit to encouraging the provision of Wi-Fi connectivity at outdoor locations to support visitors in sharing their images of Ireland through social media. To this end, Fáilte Ireland currently provides free Wi-Fi for visitors to its Tourist Information Offices.
I further understand that the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment is liaising with Local Authorities to facilitate the speedy roll-out of broadband infrastructure in order that next-generation broadband services would become widely available, which would enhance the local tourism offering. Additionally, I will be encouraging the Local Authorities in the context of their tourism strategies to facilitate the wider provision of Wi-Fi hotspots.
