Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
1275. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the development activities that her Department will scale up following the completion of the roll-out of broadband connection points; the details of pilot projects; the locations of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53282/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBroadband Connection Points (BCPs) are among the first deliverables under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) contract. Initially, these sites were considered an interim measure for those areas likely to wait longest for permanent connections under the NBP - publicly accessible internet for those without adequate connectivity at home. However, as the BCP network build began, it became very clear that great potential existed to develop BCPs as digitally-enabled, long-term community assets.
Against the backdrop of the public health crisis and the attendant exponential growth in demand for remote working facilities and travel restrictions, the role of BCPs has rapidly evolved. Communities expect their BCPs to be remote working hubs as well as study and training spaces. Many communities also want to take part in cultural activities and share their own creativity with others.
In response, my Department and the local authority Broadband Officers upgraded the technical specifications at the majority of BCPs allowing for additional functionality, such as you would expect in any professional workplace, and also began trialling new activities and services. These trials serve two purposes: they establish what may work well at BCPs and they also encourage those managing BCPs to imagine other uses for the high-speed connectivity that has been provided.
Trial projects may either be available to all operational BCPs, or may be limited to a few selected sites. Where there is a limit to the number of sites that may take part in a trial, these sites were selected on a first come, first served basis, or on the basis of a needs and suitability assessment.
There are currently 18 pilot projects live under the following four headings, including the following examples:
- eHealth - dedicated e-health rooms in Co. Sligo and on both Tory & Clare Islands: These e-health facilities will complement the HSE Attend Anywhere initiative and be suitable for a range of virtual consultations.
- Training & Education - adult digital literacy training; CoderDojo and OurKidsCode for children and families
- Arts & Culture - a nationwide BCP film festival curated by the IFI; tuition in the Uilleann pipes by NPU
- Remote Working – training for hub managers provided by the Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen; Grow Remote chapter training.
There is no charge to the BCPs or the public for participation in any of the trial activities. Furthermore, grants of €1,000 are available for devices and equipment to support training and education activities and €10,000 has been made available to each local authority to procure additional activities or training, either under the headings above or under another heading as proposed by the Broadband Officer.
Details of events at BCPs can be found at myconnectedcommunity.ie/events/. This recently added function on the BCP network’s website will be updated over the coming months with additional details as new events are added.
