Free public wifi at Dundee’s watrerfront has been delayed.
Plans to install wifi in the area by the end of July were outlined by Mike Galloway, executive director of city development, but have yet to materialise as a final decision on who will carry out the work is still being considered.
It will now miss the opening of the V&A on September 15.
It had been envisaged that the scheme would be rolled out to the city centre soon after.
The original plans were for temporary measures to be in place for the opening of the V&A and a permanent installation in place by November 16, but it is not known if this deadline will be met.
Mr Galloway did warn at the time that the works were still “out to tender” when outlining the original time frame and as a result may need to be revised.
West End councillor Fraser Macpherson, who has been campaigning to get free public wifi in the city for some time, is disappointed by the news.
The Liberal Democrat councillor said: “Whilst I appreciate the necessity for ensuring the tenders are evaluated carefully and full scrutiny of these is made given that public money is involved, the bottom line is that I was assured as recently as May that a temporary wifi facility for Slessor Gardens and surrounding area would be up and running at the end of July.
“Many cities are discovering free wifi is a good way to attract more visitors. Already local businesses, from coffee shops, hotels and restaurants, churches and bars are among the locations discovering the value of offering free wifi. A city centre wide wifi facility would be a boon for our city.
“It’s frankly disappointing that it will not now be in place for the V&A opening and there now needs to be a redoubling of effort to ensure that it is delivered as soon as possible thereafter.”
Council leader John Alexander defended the delay, saying it is a responsible use of the public purse.
The SNP councillor said: “Decisions are not made on the hoof and it’s important that councillors are able to evaluate what’s in the best interest of people in the city.
“At present, Mr Macpherson hasn’t even seen the financial impact of the installation of wifi. I also highly doubt that not having wifi in place for the opening of the V&A will have any impact on visitor numbers and the suggestion is, quite frankly, nonsense.
“People won’t hop on a train or travel to Dundee for free wifi.
“Councillors should never make a decision without first considering the financial impact to the city and the benefits to local people.
“The administration will never rubber stamp cash being spent on something without carrying out due diligence and making sure it delivers for Dundonians. This is no different.”
