National Broadband Plan decision cannot be delayed further

Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East Anne Rabbitte says a decision on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) cannot be subjected to any further delays.

Deputy Rabbitte commented:

Four months have passed since we were told that a recommendation on the National Broadband Plan would be brought to government. In the intervening time there have been a number of major announcements which could potentially undermine the plan as originally intended. 

She went on to say:

The Taoiseach has now signalled that a decision on the NBP would be made and brought before the Dáil this side of Easter:  this must be the final deadline.  In my constituency of Galway East, we have generations being left behind. Broadband black spots have seen jobs and young people driven away from living and revitalising communities. Areas such as Ballinakill and Monivea are just two places where there have been serious issues with securing an acceptable level of broadband. Even the simplest modern way of watching tv such as watching the latest Netfilx show is impossible. The policies of Fine Gael continue to isolate residents in rural Ireland. 

Deputy Rabbitte concluded:

It is now more than 6 years since the National Broadband Plan was first announced and we seem to be no nearer to bringing broadband to rural areas in County Galway now than we were back in 2012.  The delays to date are completely unacceptable and it is time for the government to deliver.