25 MFómh 2012, 10:06
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications will tomorrow discuss the delivery of high speed broadband nationwide, with officials from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and e|net, the company which manages Ireland’s fibre network.
25 September 2012
Department officials and Conal Henry, CEO of e|net, will discuss the recent Department report entitled Delivering a Connected Society - A National Broadband Plan for Ireland. The Plan sets out the strategy to deliver high speed broadband throughout Ireland and requires State investment of €175 million and matching private funding.
Chairman of the Committee Tom Hayes TD says: “Providing reliable, high speed broadband is vital in helping Ireland transform itself into a smart economy. Tomorrow’s meeting with Department Officials and e|net affords the Committee an opportunity to explore all aspects of the ambitious Plan, which promises to deliver high speed broadband across Ireland ahead of European targets. An enhanced network will form a critical part of our national infrastructure, as important as road networks, airports and ports in driving economic development in every corner of the country.”
“Broadband has the potential to open up international markets for rural Irish businesses, thereby creating jobs in many areas that have been traditionally unemployment blackspots, as well as making these areas more attractive for foreign direct investment from multinational companies. As well as the economic benefits, there are social advantages for communities throughout Ireland, in terms of reducing isolation and enhancing access to government services such as education and health.”
The meeting takes place tomorrow morning Wednesday 26 September at 9:30 a.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000.
Committee proceedings can be viewed online via this link.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +353 1 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
Committee Membership
Deputies
Timmy Dooley, Fianna Fáil
Dessie Ellis, Sinn Féin
Martin Ferris, Sinn Féin
Terence Flanagan, Fine Gael
Tom Fleming, Independent
Noel Harrington, Fine Gael
Tom Hayes, Fine Gael (Chairman)
Colm Keaveney, Fine Gael
Seán Kenny, Labour
Mattie McGrath, Independent
Michael Moynihan, Fianna Fáil
Patrick O’Donovan, Fine Gael
John O’Mahony, Fine Gael (Vice-Chairman)
Ann Phelan, Labour
Brian Walsh, Fine Gael
Senators
Terry Brennan
Sean D. Barrett
Eamonn Coghlan
Paschal Mooney
Ned O’Sullivan
John Whelan