Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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465. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of local authorities with a full-time equivalent broadband officer as of November 2017. [50994/17]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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All 31 local authorities currently employ a Broadband & Telecommunications Officer.

The National Broadband Plan is a Government priority and the Broadband & Telecommunications Officers play a key role in supporting its delivery and in ensuring the overall success of the project.

Broadband & Telecommunications Officers also play a important role in the ongoing improvement of telecommunications and broadband services throughout the country by assisting industry with commercial development, through engagement with key stakeholders at regional fora, and through engagement with local communities and businesses.

Given the importance of the Broadband & Telecommunications Officers to the National Broadband Plan and to the improvement of regional telecommunications in general, my Department will continue to part-fund the employment of a Broadband & Telecommunications Officer in each local authority in 2018.