Séamus Healy (Tipperary, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

Central Statistic Office figures released recently show that County Tipperary had a number of unemployment blackspots. That is an area where there is more than 27% unemployment. The figure across the county was significantly higher than the national average. A number of electoral divisions, 26 in all, including places like Farranrory, Mullinahone, Fethard, Ballingarry, Littleton, Killenaule, Roscrea, Graigue, Poyntstown, Borrisokane, Finnoe, Ballyphillip, Kilcommon Templemore, had 5% unemployment above the national average. I give that detail before I move on to speak about the national broadband plan. Broadband is a vital piece of infrastructural development for industry and job creation.

A minimum of 30 Mbps is essential in order to work from home, to maintain and create employment and to establish new industries, in particular in rural areas. There is widespread concern and dismay that the Minister's recent announcement will delay further the implementation of the roll out of broadband in rural areas. This goes back to 2012 when it was initially announced. Deputy Naughten may be the third Minister to deal with this. It appears now that there will be no construction of broadband in rural areas until at least 2019 and that it will take a further four to five years to have the broadband structure in place in rural areas. There is wide spread concern and dismay on this. Will the Minister outline a realistic plan for broadband throughout rural areas?

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