Rural broadband scheme unveiled
Rural groups have been urged to seize the opportunity offered by the unveiling of a €25m Group Broadband Scheme to deliver high-speed internet access into smaller communities over three years.
The new scheme is open to all smaller and rural communities of less then 1,500 people and is modeled on the Group Water Scheme.
It is hoped it will empower local communities to draw up and implement their own broadband plans in partnership with broadband service providers.
The Government is to provide 55% capital funding - the maximum allowable under European Union rules - with half of the funding payable at the commercial launch of broadband services to local businesses and residents.
The balance of funding will be allocated when the scheme reaches the minimum subscriber targets for the projects, the Minister for Communications Dermot Ahern said at a seminar in Athlone, Co Westmeath.
He said today: "These new broadband services will reduce the peripherality of smaller and rural communities. They will lead to improved employment opportunities, a more favourable investment environment and make rural villages and hinterlands more economically sustainable."
