New Rural Broadband Scheme Must Include Obligation to Provide Access to All

IFA Deputy President & Countryside Chairman Tim O’ Leary has welcomed Communications Minister Alex White’s recent comments that the delivery of high speed broadband to all parts of Ireland is a top priority for Government.

Tim O’Leary has called on Minister White to ensure that this priority is met by including a clause in the forthcoming rural broadband scheme, which requires the delivery of highspeed broadband access to all rural dwellers during the lifetime of the scheme. It is also important that highspeed broadband is clearly defined and delivered.

“Internet access is essential to farm families and rural households right across the country, whether to support farming activity, entertainment, children’s education or general access to services. The State cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. All of rural Ireland deserves a modern broadband communications infrastructure.”

Tim O’Leary said, “I urge Minister White to ensure an obligation to provide broadband access to all is included in the requirements placed on the companies responsible for delivering the next rural broadband scheme”.