Ultrafast broadband for Gorey – and free wifi in public places
FREE public Wifi will soon be made available in Gorey town.
The announcement was made on Friday last when executives from Virgin Media met members of Gorey Chamber in the Ashdown Park Hotel to announce the arrival of ultrafast broadband for homes and businesses in the town.
The company said it is extending its ultrafast network to up to 5,000 properties this year. It will also introduce free public Wifi to citizens in Gorey.
Fibre installation work has already begun in areas including Ramsgate Village, Gorey Hill, Woodbury, among others.
Minister of State Michael D’Arcy, welcomed the announcement and investment. ‘Broadband is vital for a more productive economy and boosts the prospects for economic growth,’ he said. ‘The benefits of better broadband will be felt wider than businesses. It will also increase internet speeds for households.’
‘Installing free public wifi for citizens in Gorey is an innovative move and will also be welcomed by local businesses to attract more consumers into to our vibrant town and will benefit the local retail,’ he added.
Paul Farrell, vice-president of the commercial arm of Virgin Media, said that there is no shortage of ambition and investment to get better broadband across Gorey and other parts of Wexford.
Diarmuid Devereux, CEO of Gorey Chamber, described the announcement as ‘wonderful news for Gorey residents and businesses.’
‘This investment by Virgin Media is a massive and welcome boost to our communications infrastructure,’ he said. ‘We are in the midst of a remarkable transformation of Ireland’s digital landscape, and Virgin Media’s Network investment programme will play an important role in ensuring we are fully equipped to meet the challenges of the digital age in which we live.’
Cllr Fionntán Súilleabháin welcomed the announcement but said that some residents were concerned over pipe laying works done in their estate.
‘Following the opening of the Hatch Lab IT business centre, this is another feather in the cap for business and for the public in Gorey,’ he said.
He added that following complaints from Allenwood Drive Residents Association over works done by a contractor, he met residents on Friday afternoon, and the contractor and Virgin Media had both ‘been extremely helpful and are beginning repair works in the estate this morning, Monday.’
Cllr Malcolm Byrne also welcomed the free public wifi, saying it would help business and tourism. He praised Virgin Media and Gorey Chamber for working on this. ‘I am also hoping that we can include the Park and Showgrounds with free public wifi,’ he said, adding that he was assured that any issues with installation would be resolved.
‘These include how footpaths are being repaired in Park Avenue and Ramsfort Avenue as well as the restoration of some green areas at Ramsgate Village,’ he said. ‘I have senior officials from Virgin in Gorey on Tuesday to inspect this work and they have given me commitments that problems will be addressed.’
He said the campaign to improve rural broadband continues.