WDC welcomes Government commitment to provision of Broadband to all rural areas under new Rural Broadband Scheme

Universal broadband access vital for rural enterprises to compete in knowledge economy and create jobs – WDC

The WDC welcomes the government commitment to universal broadband provision and the announcement of the Rural Broadband Scheme which promises to provide a broadband service to those who have not yet been able to access it.

Deirdre Frost, Policy Analyst at the WDC says: “We welcome this Government announcement, which as well as ensuring that all will be able to access a broadband service, also confirms the commitment to universal broadband access. Without broadband access, companies are at a competitive disadvantage.  This scheme recognises the importance of broadband for all parts of the country and its role in enabling rural enterprises to develop and create jobs. For businesses in remote areas, once they have broadband, they have direct access to international markets.”

High quality broadband is rightly recognised as a key element in the knowledge economy and in job creation. Export oriented businesses can and do thrive, regardless of location, as long as they have quality broadband which is competitively priced,” she said.

The WDC also welcomes the Government’s commitment to Next Generation Broadband and the intention to accelerate the development of high speed broadband. “This recognises the need to improve broadband speeds. The Next Generation Broadband Task Force should ensure that the needs of rural areas are addressed so that all areas have access to Next Generation Broadband as soon as possible,” concluded Ms Frost.  

Ends

For further information please contact:

Deirdre Frost, Western Development Commission, 086 605 3317

Notes to editors on the Western Development Commission (WDC)

The WDC is the statutory body promoting economic and social development in counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway and Clare.

The WDC’s strategic goals are:

1. Contribute to balanced regional development by ensuring that the Western Region maximises its full potential for economic and social development.

2. Promote the benefits of living, working and doing business in the Western Region.

3. Support the sustainable economic and social development of the rural economy.

4. Provide risk capital to SMEs and social enterprises.

www.wdc.ie and www.lookwest.ie