The lack of availability of broadband in lower Achill has been highlighted by the Fine Gael spokesperson on social protection, Deputy Michael Ring.
In response to a Dáil question on the issue raised by the deputy, Minister for Communications, Energy, and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan said the provision of broadband services was in the first instance a matter for private sector service providers.
“These services are provided over various platforms including DSL (ie, over telephone lines ), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite,” he added. “In cases of market failure the Government will intervene, where it is appropriate and possible. Such intervention is governed by very strict EU rules, one of which is that we must be technology neutral when seeking to procure solutions to service gaps. It is therefore solely a matter for service providers, even when acting on behalf of the State, to decide on what is the most appropriate technology platform to deploy. It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. However, despite Government and private investment in broadband, I am aware that there continues to be a small percentage of premises throughout the country that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons - suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight, etc.”
Deputy Ring said it was disappointing that lower Achill was without a fixed line broadband service.
“I would urge the Minister to do whatever is possible to resolve this issue so that householders and businesses in lower Achill can get broadband,” Dep Ring said.
