Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a matter that has been discussed many times in this Chamber, namely, access to broadband. This matter affects nearly everybody in rural Ireland and there is an ongoing debate in respect of it that has involved nearly all parties. I welcome today's announcement by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, on broadband. He proposes that in the next 18 months, an extra 300,000 homes will be connected to high-speed broadband, with the speeds in question higher than those in New York and nearly as high as South Korea. It is a very welcome and proactive statement by the Minister. It is more than a statement in effect because today he produced a signed contract and he hopes it will be delivered on time. As a result, 300,000 homes in rural Ireland will have high-speed broadband by the end of 2018. It is a great step forward. A considerable number of homes are not on the list but the Minister has assured us that a network will be put in place by the end of 2020, so more than 500,000 other homes will be connected.

For Irish society, broadband is a key infrastructure element. This goes back to the old days and having a telephone or electricity connected. It is a major infrastructural element that rural Ireland needs so it can develop. It is key to get that infrastructure in place. Today is a major step forward in delivering that infrastructure and if we can follow through on the proposed action plan, we will have a service fit for purpose that will ensure rural Ireland can develop its potential.We are all very much aware that many people work from home and want the opportunity to do so. With this important infrastructure, we will now have that ability to help people and we will help rural Ireland develop.