Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 December 2012
55. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in respect of the 100Mb/sec broadband programme for all post-primary schools nationwide launched in May 2009, the timeframe for the next stage of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54623/12]
View answerFollowing the completion of the initial pilot phase of this project, a total of 78 post primary schools were provided with 100Mbps broadband. I announced in February 2012 the full rollout of 100Mbps to all second level schools in Ireland, to be completed over a 3 year period. 202 post primary schools were selected this year for the first phase of the national rollout. Of these, 195 schools have been fully completed to date and already are using their enhanced broadband. The remaining schools could not be connected because of building and renovation work in each school. As soon as these works are completed the schools in question will be connected. I hope to be in a position shortly to announce details of a further 200 schools to be connected during 2013 with the remaining 250 schools being connected in 2014, after which all second level schools in Ireland will have a high speed broadband connection.
