Delivery of high speed broadband will benefit Dublin homes and businesses alike – Keating

Fine Gael Dublin Mid West Deputy, Derek Keating, today (Tuesday) said the Government’s commitment to delivering high speed broadband throughout the county will be benefit citizens and businesses greatly. The Government’s National Broadband Plan, which was published in August 2012, aims to accelerate commercial investment in the sector, with State provision being made in areas where it is commercially viable for the market to invest.

“The Government’s commitment to ensuring that no matter where you are in the country, high speed internet connectivity is a reality will bring Ireland fully into the digital age. Since the announcement of the Plan there has been substantial investment from the commercial sector in fixed line and wireless high speed broadband services and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is engaged in a comprehensive mapping exercise which will identify the areas that need to be targeted in the State-led investment.

“The recent announcement by Eircom of its next generation broadband service by the end of 2013 which is due to reach over 600,000 homes and businesses is to be welcomed. I also welcome the ESB’s plans to utilise its distribution network to provide fibre broadband services to every part of Dublin, both urban and rural.

“Ensuring the roll-out of broadband is essential not just for business development but for homes throughout the country to keep up to date with loved ones overseas and to keep abreast of what is going on in the world. This Government is committed to being a leader in Europe for the provision of a national broadband utility and I have no doubt that with the drive and focus that has been demonstrated to date, that goal can be achieved.

“I congratulate Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte TD, for his commitment to delivering not only a high speed quality service but to ensuring that it is available to every resident, every business and every organisation the length and breadth of the country.”

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