Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will ask my Department to furnish a report to the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. I understand there is a consultation process which I am sure will shed light on the expectations from each Department.

The Deputy seems to be belittling the fact that Tory Island, Inishbofin and so on will have broadband connection points before the end of next year. They will be furnished with important hotspots which will give people access to broadband. If a sustainable energy community is formed, a grant of up to €25,000 to help it develop a plan is available. Communities will not be left alone to develop plans.

They need to identify the participants locally, however, before the plan can take shape. We are happy to provide resources and to work with communities to see the emergence of a sustainable energy community. In any other area where we feel we can be of assistance, we are certainly open to doing so.

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