First Digital Highway Project launched
Pictured at the launch are Panagiotis Demestichas, CEO and Chairman of Wings ICT Solutions; with Brian McHugh, Managing Director of Vantage Towers Ireland; and Eoin MacManus, Chief Business Officer at Three.
Ireland’s first digital highway, the Emerald Motorway Corridor (EMCIE), will enhance 5G connectivity along the length of the M1, M50, and M11 motorways, and could provide the basis for the future of communications across the country’s motorway network,
Launched in Wicklow on October 19th last, the project will facilitate hazard and weather alerts, cargo tracking, compliance with border automation, port operations and infrastructure monitoring. It involves the construction of twelve new communications towers and upgrades to 22 existing ones, supported by €3.5 million from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility. The project is being implemented by VantageTowers, Three Ireland and Wings ICT Solutions.
The digital highway will pilot automated transport and logistics applications, including road safety alerts and environmental monitoring, by late 2028. Initial scenarios with Rosslare Europort will demonstrate how 5G can enhance safety and efficiency, using cameras, sensors, and data analytics.
Once validated, these technologies could be expanded to other transport corridors and logistic hubs across Ireland.
