News

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and Cavan/ Monaghan T.D., Mr. Brendan Smith has welcomed the announcement today of the €223 National Broadband Scheme, to deliver broadband services throughout the country by 2010.

 Following the conclusion of a competitive tendering process, Minister Smith’s colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Eamon Ryan T.D. has entered into a contract for the delivery of this scheme with ‘3’ (a Hutchinson Whampoa company).

To be developed at a cost of €223 million from a combination of Exchequer funds, EU co-financing and ‘3’, the National Broadband Scheme will ensure that Ireland will have 100% coverage by September 2010; half of the area under the scheme will be covered by the end of this year.

“High quality broadband availability is now recognised as a vital component of economic development and competitiveness. The roll out of the Scheme is very good news not only for those seeking a high quality mode of electronic communication in County Cavan, but will also be a tremendous boost to existing businesses at a very challenging time. This announcement will undoubtedly lead to the creation of new jobs and make the quality of life in rural areas better. By September of next year, there should be no part of County Cavan that does not have access to high quality broadband services, which will indeed by a great milestone for the economic and social development of our County.