Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is very evident that currently there is a two-tier system, with large tracts of expansive countryside in rural communities in County Kerry with practically no broadband or else very poor coverage, to be honest. I have several examples of people in commercial businesses being affected. The Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas, CEDRA, report, published by chairman Pat Spillane, for example, emphasised the expediting of the rolling out of broadband to give some regional balance. Rural decline is accelerating because of the haemorrhaging of the young population, as those people are leaving in droves. Broadband is a major factor in this regard.

I have a message from the owner of a very viable enterprise in County Kerry.

See this speech in context