Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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29. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the high-speed internet hubs announced under the National Broadband Plan will be delivered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2039/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Through the Broadband Connection Points (BCP) Initiative my department will establish 300 digitally-enabled community hubs. These hubs are based in community centres, GAA clubs and tourist sites across the country and are centres of community life. These BCPs will each have different offerings, some with a focus on remote work while others focused on education programmes and digital skills training. There are currently 290 BCPs live and in use.

The current focus of the Public BCP project is to complete the rollout of the 300 sites which are already within the project plan. When completed, the Public BCP network will have a presence in every county in the State and in some of our most rural and isolated communities, including many off-shore islands.

In the coming months, in consultation with Public BCP stakeholders, my officials will draft a development strategy for the Public BCP Network. This strategy will set out a number of ambitions and opportunities and will guide decisions on future supports, partnerships and the scope to improve and broaden services. Among the items for consideration will be the issue of inviting additional premises that have access to high-speed broadband, into the Public BCP network.

There are a number of pilot programmes currently underway, or recently completed, that explore the potential for Public BCPs to provide additional public benefit. Among these are programmes related to remote working, arts and culture, eHealth and education and training. A number of these programmes have been provided with additional support to ensure they continue past the pilot stage, including coding for primary school children, painting classes and eHealth pods offering remote access to medical appointments.

I am confident that the network of BCPs can continue to be developed in a manner that supports the overall objectives of Our Rural Future.