Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 November 2020
46. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures she is taking to support broadband connection points and digital hubs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34091/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote working has proven its value in maintaining economic activity and in the provision of many public services.
Building on the experience of the last few months, I believe that a structured approach to the provision of remote working facilities can be transformational for rural Ireland. Remote working can help to retain talented people in rural communities, encourage mobile workers to move to the regions, provide increased trade for local businesses, and revitalise our rural towns.
My Department has been working with the Western Development Commission to develop an integrated network of remote working hubs along the Atlantic Economic Corridor, from Kerry to Donegal. The WDC has identified and mapped more than 100 remote working hubs which serve that region. The approach to building this network, with shared back-office services, will serve as a model which can be replicated in other parts of the country.
In addition, since 2016 my Department has been working on the Broadband Connection Points (BCP) initiative, which is now rolling out country wide. 200 Broadband Connection Points will be connected before the end of this year, providing communities with free high-speed internet access. Up to 100 further BCPs will be connected in 2021. Many BCPs have the potential to provide remote working facilities in some of our most remote rural communities.
An additional €5 million has been allocated under Budget 2021 for investment in digital hubs through my Department's Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This additional funding will be used to develop a national network of remote working hubs based on the AEC model, as well as upgrading existing facilities and BCPs throughout the country.
My Department also invests significantly in remote working facilities through programmes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Libraries programme.
