Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the guests. Senator Garvey has mentioned much of what I wanted to speak about, which is businesses, especially rural business. I have a number of problems with businesses within 500 m of fibre broadband but that cannot connect. There is no doubt it is affecting their business and quality of life. I appreciate the answer given to Senator Garvey that one cannot change the broadband schedule for that but it is affecting rural Ireland. In Mullamast, just outside Athy, four businesses are on a road less than 500 m away from fibre broadband and they cannot connect or there is no possibility of them connecting. Those businesses are being affected. They cannot grow or provide rural employment. Surely, there must be some way of looking at a case such as that in which important rural employment can be provided if fibre broadband was brought to those businesses.

There is great excitement in all areas when people see the signs going up that a survey is happening in their area, only to be told they are three, four or five years' away. I appreciate an answer has been given to this question already but is there a way we can develop what is involved in a survey and a timeframe in order that such anticipation is dealt with? It comes back on us as public representatives, in that when people see the signs going up, they believe they are within a short timeframe of receiving fibre broadband. It is causing significant frustration in rural Ireland. A local newsletter or leaflet drop in the area to explain exactly what is going on would help the situation.

I compliment the broadband officers in County Kildare, who I have dealt with on a regular basis. How much availability is there for broadband connection points in rural areas? I know community groups that are discussing this at the moment. What help is there? Is it true the broadband officer in the county should be the first point of call? A number of local communities would benefit from a broadband connection point. I have mentioned Kilkea and Castledermot before, a number of miles outside Athy, where even phone reception is poor, never mind broadband reception. What can be done in developing and helping community groups?