Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are among the first deliverables of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) and will provide high-speed broadband connectivity at publicly accessible sites in rural and isolated areas of the country.

Sites are provided with a wireless connection by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company contracted to deliver the NBP in the State intervention area. Vodafone Ireland then install customer premises equipment (control boxes/switches and WiFi access points) which enables broadband services to be fully operational. This connection will remain in place until the sites have been given a permanent connection under the NBP.

The total number of BCPs by county, and the number which have been accepted as fully "live" by my officials, are outlined on the table below.

To date, 152 sites have been reviewed and accepted as fully "live" by my officials. 39 of these sites have gone "live" since 26 January.

The location of all BCPs which have been installed or which are planned at any point in time is available on NBI's website, at . This map is updated on a regular basis and will imminently reflect the increased number of live sites.

Vodafone are continuing to install sites as and when they become available from the NBI.

In addition to the substantial Government investment already made in the BCPs, an additional €5 million has been allocated to my Department this year under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for the development of remote working facilities at hubs and BCPs throughout the country. I hope to be in a position to announce details of this scheme shortly. My officials are also exploring the use of BCPs as educational settings, as locations for eHealth services and as locations for the creative arts.