Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 October 2022
203. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to issues impacting a school (details supplied) and their ability to access highspeed broadband; the measures that are being taken to alleviate these obstacles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49090/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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, providing broadband connectivity to schools through a range of technologies at the best available connectivity based on local infrastructure. The school referred to by the Deputy is currently on 50mb wireless broadband connection, which is a dedicated service to the school.
As the Deputy has rightly pointed out the school referred is in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) Intervention Area, implementation of which is underway. My Department is working closely with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) on this implementation to prioritise school connectivity, with all schools in the NBP Implementation Area to be provided with high speed broadband infrastructure by 2023. My officials have confirmed that this school, recently connected to the National Broadband Ireland fibre network, has been awarded to a Schools Broadband Programme retail service provider and will be connected to the schools broadband network as soon as possible.
In the meantime, the school may wish however to contact the Schools Broadband Service Desk (tel. 1800 334466) to ensure that they are receiving the maximum service on their current connection, and to get the latest updates on this upgrade.
