Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2018
699. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an action (details supplied) under the Action Plan for Rural Development; the local authorities that have and have not developed a local digital strategy, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37131/18]
View answerThe development of Local Digital Strategies will ensure that Local Authorities are primed to take best advantage of high-speed broadband coverage over the coming years to support both economic and social development in their respective areas.
Following a tendering process last year, my Department has engaged a consultancy firm to provide support for the development of a Local Digital Strategy in each Local Authority area.
As part of the development of the strategies, a Digital Readiness Assessments tool was developed to help the Local Authorities to identify their strengths, weaknesses and level of preparedness when planning their Digital Strategies. While some Local Authorities, such as Clare and Limerick, already have Digital Strategies in place, these Authorities were given the opportunity to have their strategies reviewed using the Digital Readiness Assessment tool.
Work is also now progressing on preparing a suite of guidelines that will assist Local Authorities to produce comprehensive, appropriate and effective Digital Strategies. Workshops and other supports are being provided to Local Authorities as they research and prepare their strategies, which are anticipated to be completed by the end of the year.
