Doolan's demands socially inclusive WiFi for Dublin City
Published: 23 March, 2007
During today's meeting of the Dublin City Council WiFi working group Sinn
Féin Councillor Daithí Doolan called for socially inclusive not for profit
WiFi delivery for Dublin City.
Speaking after the meeting Cllr. Doolan said "much has been said on the need
to bridge the digital divide existing between the privileged and
disadvantages areas of our city. It is now time to put those words into
action."
"Currently we see an increase in WiFi availability in cherry picked'
premium locations such as café's and hotels in the city centre yet little if
any availability in the broader community. Sinn Féin believes everyone in
our city can benefit significantly from free WiFi along with training
support and equipment being made easily available."
"Ireland currently ranks 20th in a list of 30 OECD countries for the
provision of computers for schools and IT support contracts for the same.
This is unacceptable in a city experiencing an economic boom as we are in
Dublin. The provision of WiFi could go some way, with additional local and
central government investment, to address this imbalance in our city's
schools."
"A city wide WiFi network would greatly enhance the opportunities for small
businesses and those working or seeking to work from home. Also working
cohesively with stage agencies such as FÁS or REHAB could create very
progressive self employment opportunities. It would also benefit community
groups, youth centres, people with disabilities and our senior citizens."
Cllr. Doolan outlined:
"Sinn Féin is proposing that the Dublin City Council set up an independent
body that builds the system using City Council assets and allows any ISP to
utilise the service. The independent body would be made up of
representatives of the educational, community and business sectors. It would
be required to raise the capital cost and operate on a not for profit
basis."
Cllr. Doolan concluded:
"Dublin City Council can and should lead the making in making this city the
information and communications technology capital of Europe. But when doing
so we need to ensure all our citizens benefit from such a project."
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