Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am trying but there is a fundamental difficulty with that service provider. If we learn nothing else from today, it is that there needs to be a synergy between NBI and other providers. Members of this committee are being parochial in referring to particular areas and I can list Matthew Hill, Douglas, Ballinora, Ballyphehane, Glasheen, which are predominantly urban areas in the middle of Cork city. They are not out in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. They are in the middle of Cork city with no real access to broadband. The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications mentioned Carrigaline and one of the witnesses also referenced Carrigaline in his remarks. I hope they can give us certainty regarding the situation in Cork.

The Chairman is correct in his analysis. The issue is the blue connection areas and being able to piggyback from the exchange. Premises that are 100 yards away from their neighbours have no connection. Reference was made to the future and this is about providing certainty and connectivity. More and more people are working from home. A survey published by Pure Telecom this morning indicates that 37% of workers in Munster have issues with poor broadband. I appreciate where the witnesses are coming from and thank them for being here. We are all citizens of a republic and we want connectivity and good customer service. We want to be able to get answers and timely interventions