The number of the broadband disenfranchised in Ireland is greater than generally believed and the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) will form only part of the solution. When it is rolled out, the NBS will involve the Government in subsidising the cost, having already obtained EU approval. In theory, members of the rural population will enjoy broadband facilities at similar prices to their urban cousins.
Irish Rural Link said it was launching a national campaign to pressure the Government into improving the service in rural areas.
Chief Executive Seamus Boland told the meeting in Charleville, Co Cork that urgent action was required and expressed concern that the Government’s National Broadband Scheme (NDBS) may not be adequate.
Fine Gael’s Communications Spokesman, Simon Coveney TD, today (Tuesday) said the OECD has become the latest body to criticise Ireland’s performance on e-Government.
He was speaking in advance of today’s Fine Gael Private Members’ debate on the subject.
Councillor Keith Martin says that it is very disturbing that these new figures show that Ireland ranks 19th out of EU 27 in terms of broadband for schools.
Read more: Rural Ireland suffering from lack of internet connectivity
The report revealed a substantial number of planned projects were never started or else abandoned. In all, 143 projects were planned for the e-government initiative. Of this number, 86 are fully live, 45 are in progress and 24 never got off the ground.
Read more: Ireland: Technology to help public services perform better