Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 April 2019
217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which his Department addresses such issues as local connectivity in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15634/19]
View answerThe availability of a high quality, high speed broadband network and of reliable mobile phone coverage are essential components underpinning the connectivity and development of rural communities in Ireland.
In this context, the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce was established in July 2016 to identify solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits and to investigate how better services could be provided to consumers prior to full rollout of the National Broadband Plan.
The Taskforce published its report in December 2016, which set out 40 actions aimed at addressing the issues associated with mobile phone and broadband connectivity, particularly in rural areas.
A cross-Departmental Implementation Group, which I chair, was established in early 2017 to ensure that the actions identified by the Taskforce are implemented in a timely manner. The Implementation Group publishes regular progress reports which are available on my Department’s website, www.drcd.gov.ie.
One of the key ways in which my Department supports the preparations for the roll out of the National Broadband Plan – and other telecommunications infrastructure – is through the network of Broadband Officers located in each Local Authority. The Broadband Officers, who are co-funded by my Department, engage with the telecoms industry on a regular basis in identifying and addressing barriers to the roll out of telecommunications infrastructure. This has seen a tangible increase in broadband connections and the resolution of a number of mobile phone blackspots in rural Ireland.
My Department also co-ordinated and supported Local Authority applications for the European Commission's WiFi4EU initiative. This programme will see EU funds made available for the provision of free, publically accessible WiFi. In the inaugural round of funding, 21 Irish Local Authorities secured 59 vouchers under the scheme, worth €885,000 in total. My Department will provide match funds of up to €15,000 for each of these vouchers, to support Local Authorities as they make free internet connectivity available to the public.
