The arrival of new "smart benches" in the Galway city area have received a mixed reaction from members of the public.
Galway City Council has recently installed the three benches as a trial initiative in Salthill, Ravens Terrace, and Eyre Square.
The smart benches are fully solar powered with battery back-up and free WiFi.
People have taken to online platforms to share their views.
Some have welcomed the brightly coloured seats as "eye catching" and a helpful aid for both locals and tourists.
Others have dismissed the initiative as a "waste of tax payers money". There were concerns too that the benches would be vandalised and could lead to anti-social behaviour.
In addition to free WiFi, the benches provide wired and wireless charging for devices with USB charging or capable of wireless charging.
The benches are a bespoke design by Galway City Council which said they will be very helpful for people caught short of battery or data.
