New 'digital pedestal' for Athlone’s Custume Place

ABBA famously sang 'Ring ring, ring, why don't you give me a call?' back in the heyday of payphones in 1973, but in 2022 telephone boxes are generally as rare as hen's teeth. Not so in Athlone though, which is about to get a new payphone as part of what's being called a “digital pedestal” in Custume Place.

Following a query from the Westmeath Independent, eir said it is working with county councils across the country to agree on the best use of legacy infrastructure. They have come to an agreement with Westmeath County Council to launch a new “Digital Pedestal” in Custume Place in the coming weeks to act as an information point.

“The new Digital Pedestal is designed to play a role that is more suitable to urban life today, not only as a point of connectivity, but as an information system for local authority services including mapping systems for visitors and residents,” the eir statement explained.

Unlike the old-style phone boxes, the new facility with telephone and an information sign on the roof is fully open with only shelter overhead from the elements.

“It will have a touch sensitive screen suitable for displaying maps and for the council to advertise upcoming events and services for the local community,” eir added.