IFA Reaction to Rural Broadband Announcement

IFA President Eddie Downey said the new initiative on broadband announced by the Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte will be judged on its ability to deliver a cost-effective service to all rural homes and businesses.

He said previous schemes had not reached the number of households promised. “Every house and business in the countryside must have the option of receiving a cost-effective, top class, fibre-based broadband service.”

He said IFA has raised the issue of equity of access to essential services in its Election Manifesto for the local and European elections. “The proposed new Scheme must deliver high-speed broadband at affordable prices for all businesses, homes and schools in rural Ireland”.