Senator Aisling Dolan - Strong Voice, New Vision.
The 3 new broadband connection points in Co Roscommon are a key element of the Government’s National Broadband Plan, a Fine Gael Senator has said.
Senator Dolan said: “Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are among the first premises to be connected under the National Broadband Plan and are located in some of the most isolated and rural communities in the country.
‘It will make a big difference to the communities of Creeve, Gortaganny & Tulsk. During this pandemic, the majority of people are working from home and need fast and reliable broadband. Now they will be able to go to their local community or resource centre or a Digi Hub and have access to free high-speed internet access. More people working from these centres and hubs will reinvigorate our local towns and villages and stimulate the local economy.’
“They will provide communities with free high-speed internet access at publicly-accessible sites under the Government’s new Connected Communities initiative.
“The COVID-19 crisis has shown the value of digital technology in enabling workers, businesses and families to stay connected and in touch with each other. The BCPs are intended to bring people together through digital connectivity, and it’s that togetherness that I want to emphasise.
“When people can work from their own communities here in Co. Roscommon they can maintain the close connections that matter most: family, friends, community, and their homes.
“More than that, they can support local businesses, sports and community groups, all of which contributes to sustainable communities.”
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, said: “The launch of the first of the Broadband Connection Points under the Connected Communities initiative represents an investment in rural futures and recognises the contribution that rural Ireland makes to the culture, innovation and economy of our country. More than 50 locations have already been connected by
Vodafone Ireland and NBI, with more sites to be installed each week from now until the end of the year and beyond.”
