'Great Deal Of Work To Do' On Improving Irish Broadband

The government has a "great deal of work to do" in not just improving internet speeds across the country, but informing people of the future of the broadband plan.

Commenting on the recent iReach Insights survey on broadband, Sinn Féin TD and Communications spokesperson, Brian Stanley, said: "This survey demonstrates the clear geographical divide in terms of internet connectivity with twice as many people in Connacht and Ulster unhappy with their internet speeds than in Dublin.

"The Government have said that the broadband plan 'will ensure that all citizens and businesses have access to high speed broadband no matter where they live or work'. However, two thirds of consumers still receive speeds below that promised by the plan.

"The fact that one third of those surveyed did not know anything about the Government's National Broadband Plan is an indictment of how poorly the Government has pursued and communicated the strategy as a whole.

"The Government must explain in detail how they will resurrect the plan to roll out broadband across the country, given the collapse the tendering process with private sector.

"They must to go back to the drawing board on this one and find an alternative, effective plan on ensuring everybody has access to reliable, high speed internet connectivity across Ireland."

(MH/CM)