James O'Connor
Question:120. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education her views on the roll-out of broadband for rural schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13497/22]
View answerThursday, 10 March 2022
Questions (120)
Written answers
The delivery of high quality internet connectivity for all schools is a key objective of my Department. It is accepted that good connectivity is essential to ensure that schools are facilitated to progress the embedding of digital technologies in teaching and learning and for the implementation of new and revised curriculum.
My Department operates the Schools Broadband Programme at an annual cost of some €13m, with at least 98% of schools included in this scheme providing connectivity to these schools through a range of technologies at the best level of connectivity available based on local infrastructure.
As the Deputy is aware, the National Broadband Plan Intervention Area Plan for which implementation is now underway with the provision of high speed connectivity to the almost 700 primary schools in that area is to be accelerated for delivery. My Department is engaging with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications on the intervention area implementation, including the Schools Broadband Connection Points Programme. Under the Schools Broadband Programme over 100 of those schools have been provided with high speed broadband through the NBI roll out, with almost 100 to be connected shortly. The two Departments will continue to work closely to provide high speed connectivity to the balance of schools in the National Broadband Plan intervention area.
My Department is now implementing a project to provide high speed broadband connectivity through the Schools Broadband Programme for primary schools outside of the National Broadband Plan Intervention Area, and where commercial provision is neither available nor planned. That project is supported by funding under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and is managed by HEAnet on behalf of my Department.
The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) has been developed by the Government so that Ireland can access funding under the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. Ireland is expected to receive €988 million in grants under the Facility. The Recovery and Resilience Facility is the largest component of NextGenerationEU, the European Union’s response to the global pandemic. The aim is to help repair the immediate economic and social damage brought about by the pandemic and to prepare for a post-Covid Europe that is greener, more digital, more resilient and fit to face the future.