Ireland’s first digital highway, the Emerald Motorway Corridor (EMCIE), will enhance 5G connectivity along the M1, M50, and M11 motorways, supporting advanced communications along one of Ireland's key transport and logistics corridors, writes Brian Byrne.
Launched in Wicklow on October 19, the project will facilitate real-time hazard and weather alerts, cargo tracking, border automation, 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 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.
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.
