John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the work that has been undertaken by the Government in terms of funding and the private sector in terms of the delivery of broadband. I encourage the Minister of State to look at the country as a whole, draw together all of those that are providing broadband and ensure that the gaps in the make-up of each county are delivered on and there is a plan. When people make inquiries they do not want to hear a load of statistics. Rather, they want to know when their businesses are going to be connected.

Roadmaster in Johnstown is half a kilometre away from a box with a fibre optic cable and cannot understand why it cannot get fibre optic broadband as quickly as it believes it should. Likewise, everything is done by email now through pharmacies and it is difficult for them to carry on their business. The IDA in Kilkenny faces the same issue.

County Carlow took an initiative to have a digital strategy for the next few years. The Government needs to get down to that level to ensure all of these businesses and chambers of commerce that are taking initiatives in their own counties are supported directly where necessary. A lot of money is being spent on broadband, but the Government needs to take an overall hold of the delivery of the projects, regardless of where they are, to ensure that rural Ireland is not left behind and that broadband is as fast and efficient as it is in any urban centre. That would create a level playing field and achieve a lot for the country.

See this speech in context