Press Statement
June 4th 2015
Rural
areas in Roscommon to benefit from broadband expansion - Feighan
Fine Gael TD for
Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has welcomed eircom’s announcement that
they are to significantly expand access to high speed fibre broadband in rural
Ireland benefiting a number of areas in County Roscommon.
In Roscommon, high-speed
broadband will be expanded to Ballyforan, Ballyfarnan, Croghan, Cootehall, Emoo
Junction, Four Roads, Knockcroghery and Taughmaconnell. This expanded footprint
means eircom will invest €400 million in fibre over the next five years, hugely
benefiting families and business in the county.
“The National Broadband Plan is a partnership between the
commercial sector and the State to deliver high speed broadband to every home,
school and business in Ireland. The Government has played a major role in
creating the conditions for accelerated telecoms investment by highlighting to
broadband providers the potential profit to be made by expanding into rural
areas and by securing commitments from them to invest. Today’s investment is a
clear indication that eircom recognises the opportunities in this market.
“Making the economic recovery a reality for people in all
parts of the country, is a key objective for Government. Lack of broadband has
been a long standing issue in rural Ireland and one that had not been addressed
by previous Governments. Initial commercial plans to provide high-speed access
to one million homes by 2015 have now expanded into a commitment to provide
access to 1.6 million homes by the end of 2016, and 1.9 million homes by 2020.
“Eircom’s announcement means the element of the National
Broadband Plan that requires State intervention is likely to reduce
significantly.
“The Minister for Communications, Alex White is expected to
publish the State intervention strategy in July with a view to moving to formal
procurement by the end of this year. Roll-out will commence in 2016.”
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