Fine Gael remains committed to broadband roll out in Laois, according to Minister Charlie Flanagan.
Minister Flanagan said they will continue to put pressure on the Department of Communications so that every local premise has access to high speed broadband.
Speaking from Leinster House this morning, Minister Flanagan stated
“The National Broadband Plan (NBP) Procurement process is a key priority for Government.
“While it is unfortunate that Eir has pulled out of the process, our Government colleague Denis Naughten has assured us that it will not impact the rollout timeframe for Laois.
“Minister Naughton has given a guarantee to homes and businesses that are frustrated with waiting for broadband, saying we will now probably get shovels on the ground quicker because there is only one consortium left in the process.
“The Government is absolutely committed to ensuring the roll out of high speed broadband to the over 500,000 rural homes that are currently without it across the country.
“Currently Eir is rolling out high speed broadband, predominantly fibre to the home to over 300,000 premises in rural Ireland.
“I’d like to assure people that this rollout is the subject of a binding agreement- eir has reconfirmed its commitment to this commercial investment as well as their ongoing investment in broadband nationally and I welcome this.”
Minister Flanagan concluded: “When this Government took office, about 50% of premises had high speed broadband.
“That figure is now 71% and by the end of this year, 77% of premises will have high speed access.
“We are delivering high speed access to 300 farms every week.
Fine Gael is committed to supporting local communities and building a sustainable future for people to live and work in Ireland’s rural areas.
“I will be in constant communication with Independent Minister Denis Naughten, insisting that the broadband rollout for Laois urgently takes place. It must be delivered.”
SEE ALSO – Relief for Laois family as stolen tractor is recovered
