John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I call on the Leader to arrange a debate when we come back in September on the future of rural Ireland. Like many other Members, I am very concerned about its future because there is nothing happening there. We see economic activity in Dublin and the large cities, but there is nothing happening in the west. Anything west of the River Shannon is forgotten about. There is probably a need to consider having a Minister for rural affairs. I was concerned when I read newspaper reports yesterday that there was talk of rowing back on the provision of broadband in rural Ireland. That would be a retrograde step at a time when EirGrid is putting up pylons throughout the country.

In rural Ireland, the infrastructure serves only to provide a conduit for energy for the bigger cities. At the same time, we say there should be community gain where pylons and wind turbines are accepted. If pylons are to crisscross the landscape, broadband should be provided on those pylons for rural Ireland. There should be joined-up thinking on the part of the Minister and EirGrid to provide these things. This warrants an extensive debate. Anybody from rural Ireland knows that towns are dying on their feet. It has been said repeatedly in the House. It must be dealt with as a matter of urgency. I call on the Leader to provide for a debate early in September.