A number of businesses in east mayo that are trying to expand are finding it difficult to do so, due to poor broadband in the area, the February meeting of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District was told this week.
Fine Gael councillor Neil Cruise raised the issue at the meeting, saying that he knew of three multinational companies in the Ballyhaunis area that wanted to expand their business, but were finding it difficult because of the lack of proper broadband.
Cllr Cruise called on the district to write to Minister Eamon Ryan to bring it to his attention and requested that regular updates on broadband roll-out to be supplied to the councillors in the district.
His colleague, Cllr John Cribben, backed his call, telling the meeting that broadband was as important today to business as the phone was 40 years ago. He called for monthly updates on the issue to be given to the councillors. Cllr Cribben added that these businesses could potentially bring new employment into the area.
Other councillors supported the call for improved broadband, with Cllr Richard Finn pointing out that businesses had difficulty in accessing markets because of it and Cllr John Caulfield saying that while broadband can't be everywhere, when it comes to industry and businesses, every effort needed to be made to ensure it is available.
