James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that and I can relay the message to Ms W.

An important general point is that many employers with operations in rural communities are contacting me. One recent inquiry concerned a large employer at Rathcormac, which employs more than 150 people. I highlighted this case to representatives of NBI before. There is a concern about the prospect of waiting two to three years for installation. Every business has operational capacity constraints, and that is particularly the case with a complex project like that being undertaken by NBI. Large employers, however, need a more urgent intervention. It is being done successfully in the isolated rural communities I spoke about earlier. It is good to see that happening, but I am concerned about the pace at which businesses are being identified in this process.

We all know how important broadband is to our lives. It is especially so for those businesses with users of products requiring a high-speed connection. The current situation is damaging businesses in rural areas. The place I am talking about is called Rathcormac. Perhaps Mr. Hendrick could note it. There are many logistical companies there, including everything from the timber industry to the local mart, which operates as a kind of hub for venue hire and things like that. More must be done in that area. It is easy for me to say that, but I would not like Mr. Hendrick to be under the impression that I am not aware of the demands already being borne by NBI. From a business perspective, however, it would be helpful for NBI itself to plan more work in 2022, now that we are reopening the economy and society. Hopefully, NBI will be working at full capacity. Can Mr. Hendrick say something to alleviate some of my concerns in this regard?