Press release
“Broadband will unlock potential of rural Ireland" – Minister Ring
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development has welcomed the announcement that the National Broadband Plan (NBP) will proceed with the appointment of a preferred bidder. The NBP aims to bring high-speed broadband to 540,000 premises, mostly in rural areas, that do not currently have a connection.
Speaking this afternoon, Minister Ring said:
“Today is a great day for rural Ireland. It is the announcement that so many people have been waiting for; the confirmation that high-speed broadband will be rolled out across the country. Despite all the challenges, despite the doubts in some quarters, high-speed broadband is coming to all areas across the country and it will be as important to the future of rural Ireland as electricity was more than 70 years ago.”
“The announcement that National Broadband Ireland are the preferred bidder for the NBP contract marks a significant step towards full nationwide coverage of high-speed broadband across Ireland. All going well, contracts will be signed in the coming months and the physical roll-out will begin as soon as possible after that.”
Minister Ring continued:
“The delivery of high speed broadband, as announced by the Government today, will have a transformative effect on rural Ireland. It will facilitate a structural shift in how we live and how we work into the future. Every area of our society and our economy will benefit from effective broadband connectivity. This includes activities such as farming, education, health, and employment. The availability of high speed broadband will open up huge potential for jobs in rural areas and enable more people to work from home or in digital hubs.”
The Minister concluded by saying:
“The decision taken by the Government on the NBP contract is a clear statement that the Government values rural Ireland and recognises the potential of rural Ireland. Above all, the decision is about equality and opportunity. Equality, so that people living in rural Ireland can benefit just as much from access to high-speed broadband as those living in urban areas, and opportunity to give businesses a pathway to new markets and growth.”
ENDS
The National Broadband Plan is a Government strategy designed to deliver high speed broadband services to all businesses and households in Ireland.
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