Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On large-scale building need, under the connected hubs fund we have been able to support some private operators to kit out such facilities to accommodate remote working. It is important that we look at this from the different approaches. Many local authorities have made applications for funding under the town and village renewal scheme and the rural regeneration and development fund for the conversion of old buildings. There are many examples of them throughout the country. I have visited a number of them, where there are top-class remote working facilities. The private sector has come in there as well in terms of provision.

The Deputy mentioned third-level outreach. Students experiencing poor broadband in their homes have been able to use the broadband connection points. We are keen to expand this to community halls in different parts of the country where broadband service is poor. Broadband is available in our libraries as well, which some students have availed of. That is a good way to combine it as well. We are unlimited in what we can do to facilitate people to work and study in rural Ireland.

See this speech in context