Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is all right to speak about colours and everything, but State intervention is urgently required in Urlingford. A significant area of the town is covered by commercial operators, but some areas that are crucial to the local economy, such as Urlingford business park, are awaiting State intervention through the NBP. A new nursing home that is due to open in the business park will cater for 90 patients and will employ up to 90 people. A designated Alzheimer's unit with 30 additional beds will require up to 60 additional staff because of the 2:1 ratio associated with the intensive care needs in such units. This facility will require high-speed broadband services to facilitate modern systems for organising meals, medication lists and treatment plans. My information is that three full-time staff at the facility will be dedicated to data output alone. If they cannot avail of adequate broadband, this state-of-the-art facility will have a Stone Age technology infrastructure. I ask the Minister to liaise with the major service providers on the ground to ensure a temporary solution is provided to facilitate a high-speed service as we contend with the delays in State subvention under the national broadband plan. Like many areas in Carlow-Kilkenny, Urlingford requires high-speed broadband services to facilitate businesses and employees. Improved services will also stimulate local economic growth, attract further business and create more jobs in our rural and regional towns.

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