Frank O’Rourke TD has welcomed the publication of a recent survey by IBEC which states that nearly 80% of Kildare premises now have access to High speed broadband
However he says that gaps in broadband services in Kildare need to be addressed.
“Kildare has the second best connectivity out of the 26 counties in the country. However, we need to ensure that gaps in the service in rural areas in Kildare are addressed.”
“€15m was earmarked to provide high speed broadband to rural areas as part of Budget 2017 and this must be invested as a matter of priority to address the gaps in services in the rural parts of Kildare” stated Deputy O’Rourke.
“Broadband is not a luxury commodity – it’s an essential service. As the IBEC report on Broadband coverage stated, the digital economy plays an increasingly crucial role in the exchange of goods and services. Insufficient broadband connectivity leaves local businesses and householders at a significant disadvantage.”
“Access to good quality Broadband makes our society more socially inclusive, improves business competitiveness, assists in education and enables people work from home when required.”
“Kildare County Council onbtained approval to appoint a Broadband Officer following the publication of the Final Report of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce which was brought to the Government last December.”
“I continue to make representations to Eir, to the Minister for Communications and his Department, in relation to securing adequate Broadband coverage for areas such as; Newtown, Broadford, Timahoe, Eadestown and Kilteel,” concluded Deputy O’Rourke, who has tabled a Dail Question on Broadband Coverage in Kildare this week.