Initiative will help to boost job creation in rural areas
Fine Gael TD for Limerick, Patrick O’Donovan has today Friday welcomed the Government announcement that 48 locations in Limerick are set to benefit as a result of plans to greatly increase access to high speed broadband in rural Ireland.
“The Government is committed to rural development, and a key element of this must be to invest sufficiently in infrastructure in areas outside of our main towns and cities. The absence of high speed broadband has been a significant problem in rural areas, and is hampering job creation. Under these new plans announced by the Government, over 1,000 rural communities will be targeted for improved connections.
“I am delighted that 48 of locations in Limerick are set to benefit as a result. Since the announcement of the National Broadband Plan in 2012, the number of companies, such as Eircom, UPC and Sky, offering high speed internet access has increased significantly. However the Government recognises that the absence of fibre networks in rural communities has led to broadband blackspots.
“The Government is committing to investing significantly in our fibre network, to ensure that rural communities are not left behind. This will make it much easier for broadband companies to offer high speed internet access right across the country and will ensure that the recovery in the jobs market is felt nationwide.
“This is a highly ambitious project, which will address the areas of the country which cannot access commercial high speed broadband. The Government has already identified more than 1,000 locations nationwide which will be targeted, ensuring fibre networks are available so commercial companies can deliver broadband directly to homes and businesses.
“This approach will also ensure that the network is future-proofed, and capable of responding to new technology developments and increasing demand.”
“The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources will now proceed with an implementation plan in parallel with the comprehensive mapping process currently underway.”
Listed below are the 48 locations in Limerick which will benefit from this announcement:
- Anglesborough
- Ardpatrick
- Ashford
- Athlacca
- Ballagh
- Ballyagran
- Ballylanders
- Ballyorgan
- Ballysteen
- Banoge
- Barringtonsbridge
- Brittas
- Broadford
- Bulgaden
- Caherelly
- Carrigkerry
- Castletown
- Crecora
- Dromacommer
- Elton
- Feenagh
- Feohanagh
- Galbally
- Garryfine
- Garryspillane
- Glenroe
- Gortacloona
- Granagh
- Grange
- Herbertstown
- Kilcolman
- Kildimo Old
- Kilfinny
- Killinure
- Kilmeedy
- Kilteely
- Knockaderry
- Knockainy
- Loghill
- Meanus
- Monaster
- Mountcollins
- Mungret
- Newmarket on Fergus
- Pallas Grean
- Pallas Grean New
- Strand
- Tournafulla