Written answers

Tuesday, 25 May 2021

Department of Rural and Community Development

Broadband Infrastructure

Photo of Claire KerraneClaire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

26. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the provisions being implemented to deal with digital poverty in disadvantaged areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27970/21]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can confirm that the public library service offers free access to Wi-Fi and PCs with internet connections and video calling capabilities. Some branches offer laptop and tablet lending services along with a range of other digital equipment including 3D printers and interactive screens.

Other relevant supports provided through my Department include:

The LEADER programme which includes Broadband under Rural Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation. This enables community groups and businesses to make project applications to their Local Development Company for funding to upgrade their ICT equipment, improve digital connectivity and access on-line services helping to combat “digital poverty” and allow for greater communication and business flexibility.

Local Development Companies complete work across Ireland with disadvantaged individuals and groups under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), funded by my Department. This includes work relating to digital poverty. With SICAP support, the Local Development Company in Fingal developed 'Connect & Include Digital Poverty' which offers tailored, holistic supports to every family/individual with whom they work to address digital poverty.

Under the Broadband Connection Points (BCP) initiative, approximately 300 publicly accessible sites will be provided with high-speed broadband connection for public use. To date, 178 have been fully installed and are ready for use. BCPs will be present in areas without adequate broadband coverage in every County in the State.

This year, a series of pilot projects will commence at BCPs to trial the use of eHealth technologies, remote working facilities, arts/culture activities, and digital skills training courses. Digital skills training target cohorts will include those with low literacy and digital literacy levels, and young people at risk of leaving school early.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.