Vodafone Foundation and Libraries partner to remove barriers to digital access for older people in Fingal
The Vodafone Foundation, through its Hi Digital programme, has partnered with Fingal Libraries to make digital skills training more accessible to older people by introducing a tablet loan scheme in Blanchardstown Library, Rush Library, and Baldoyle Library.
The Vodafone Foundation, through its Hi Digital programme, has partnered with Fingal Libraries to make digital skills training more accessible to older people by introducing a tablet loan scheme in Blanchardstown Library, Rush Library, and Baldoyle Library. The scheme was officially launched by Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary in Blanchardstown Library on 4th June with Senior Executive Librarian Brian Mulcahy.
Hi Digital, in partnership with ALONE, is the Vodafone Foundation’s free online course for older people, designed to build digital skills confidence through short, easy‑to‑follow online lessons, which are pre-loaded onto each tablet. Learners can expect modules such as using smartphones, getting online, staying safe from scams, and using apps like WhatsApp, alongside quick tips and videos offering simple guidance on common digital tasks.
Mayor Tom O’Leary said, “I’m delighted that Fingal Libraries is participating in the Vodafone Hi-Digital scheme. It gives our older citizens the opportunity to engage with technology without the need for Wi-Fi in the home, and to explore the digital world with confidence at their own pace.”
The scheme was introduced in 30 public libraries across seven participating counties, with 198 tablets supplied to date across Kildare, Limerick, Waterford, Wicklow, Wexford, Monaghan and Dublin. The initiative allows library members to borrow tablets that come ready‑to‑use, removing common barriers such as lack of devices, confidence, or internet access at home.
According to research from the Vodafone Foundation - while 91% of older people surveyed were open to learning new digital skills, one-in-three feel digitally excluded, and 22% say they have no one to turn to when they encounter digital difficulties.
By enabling people to learn at their own pace, in a familiar community setting, the programme helps older adults build essential digital skills in a supportive and accessible way.
The scheme is completely free, and library members are encouraged to drop in, borrow a tablet, and explore what it can offer — whether that’s completing the pre-loaded Hi Digital course, researching hobbies and interests, listening to music, or getting more comfortable using a digital device in everyday life.
Acting County Librarian for Fingal Libraries, Lilian Whelan, said, “Libraries are about opening doors to opportunity and allowing everyone access to information and technology. The Vodafone Hi-Digital scheme ensures that older people in Fingal can access digital learning with confidence, connection and support right from their own homes.”
Sabrina Casalta, CEO Vodafone Ireland, said: “Digital exclusion is often about much more than skills — it’s about access, confidence, and feeling supported. By working with libraries to provide tablets with Hi Digital already pre‑loaded, we’re removing some of the most practical barriers older people face and making it easier to take that first step towards building digital confidence.”
Through Hi Digital, learners can also access in‑person support, with free drop‑in Fridays at Vodafone stores every week, regular workshops and classes delivered by Hi Digital partners across the country, and now through the tablet loan scheme at participating public libraries.
For more information on Hi Digital, or to find your nearest participating library, call 1800 203030 or visit https://hidigital.ie/in-person-support