Ireland's Broadband 'Third Most Expensive'

A survey published today has shown that the Republic of Ireland's broadband is the third most expensive amongst the 28 countries belonging to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The survey from the National Competitiveness Council's report confirms that Ireland has the third most expensive broadband out of 28 OECD countries, with prices more than double the OECD average.

Todays report says that although prices in Ireland have moderated in the past year, a range of key business areas in Ireland remain relatively expensive including property, broadband, waste disposal and legal fees.

A spokesman for the National Competitiveness Council said: "Improving our relative cost competitiveness requires the cost of doing business in Ireland to fall relative to that of our trading partners.

"Ireland’s cost competitiveness has improved in the past two years – as a result of exchange rate

movements and adjustments within the Irish economy. It is important to determine if progress to date is sufficient to restore competitiveness and whether further adjustments are necessary."

Speaking in response to yesterday's publication, Fine Gael's Communications Spokesman Leo Varadkar said the results "rubs salt into the wounds of Irish customers", as the already have the "worst broadband service in Europe".

"This report adds insult to injury to broadband users. Not only do we have the worst broadband in Europe, but we have to pay some of the highest fees," he said.

Mr Varadkar added: "This is having a serious impact on Irish businesses, who need a fast and reliable broadband service in order to compete internationally and to drag Ireland out of recession. Irish schools are also suffering from the appalling broadband service.

"Meanwhile, the UK and other EU countries are moving on to the next level of broadband provision with new, superfast services."

Mr Varadkar said he wanted Ireland to be in the OECD top five for speed and cost-effectiveness. "It's a shame Fianna Fáil and the Greens just aren’t interested.”

(DW/BMcC)