Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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52. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of broadband connection points that have been established to date under the National Broadband contract; the average number of daily users of broadband connection points; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18799/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Public Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) Project is progressing well with 268 sites now live with the remaining sites to be installed by the end of the year. In total there will be approximately 300 Public BCPs in the network across Ireland. As the site connection rate grows the focus of the project is turning towards stimulating demand for use of the sites.

There are a number of programmes being run to increase awareness of the Public BCP network and improve the offering at each hub. There are 4 thematic strands that are being developed to offer programmes at BCPs covering remote working, arts and culture, E-Health and education and training. 

Public BCP usage continues to rise as more are connected. As of May 27th, there are 268 sites live with an average daily usage of 286 guests. Of the total 7,723 guests for May to date, 1,063 are new guests and 6,660 are returning guests.

Compared with May 2021 figures there were 178 sites live with an average of 116 daily guests. Of the total 3,608 guests in May 2021, 635 were new guests and 2,973 were returning guests.

This increase in figures is really encouraging and demonstrates the positive impact of the BCPs as an integral resource in their communities.

Details of events at BCPs can be found at myconnectedcommunity.ie/events/.

This recently added function on the BCP network’s website will be updated over the coming months with additional details as new events are added.