Fingal under threat as National Broadband Plan hangs in the balance

​- Ability of FG to deliver on national development projects has to be questioned –


Fianna Fáil TD for Fingal, Darragh O’Brien says countless households across North County Dublin could be left without access to high speed broadband as a result of the Government’s mismanagement of the National Broadband Plan.

He made the comments following the news that Eir is the latest bidder to leave the tendering process.

O’Brien said, “It is a widely held belief that a lack of efficient broadband connection is an issue that only affects rural parts of Ireland but that is simply not the case.


“In reality, there are large swathes of broadband blackspots in Fingal some areas of which are adjacent to Dublin Airport; a major transport hub that serves millions of passengers each year.


“It’s quite shocking to consider that such a vast area which has a dynamic local economy from technology and finance to the agri-food sector, is left without a high speed broadband connection.


“Fingal has a population of over 300,000 and is the fastest growing county in Ireland. Many of those who have moved to the area would like the convenience of working from home but because of the shortage of broadband around their home they have no choice. 


He added, “Our local economy drives millions in investment and businesses based in Fingal should be able to expect full access to efficient services such as basic broadband. 


“This Government cannot claim to prioritise the growth of indigenous business and at the same time allow the National Broadband Plan to flounder for years by shifting targets and deadlines at every juncture. 


“Minister Naughten has failed to prioritise the roll out of high speed broadband to countless households in the direct vicinity of one of the Capitals largest satellite towns.


“It appears as if the NBP is hanging by a thread and I am not at all confident that it can proceed with just one bidder.


“Fingal has the youngest age profile of any county and in today’s day and age of a technological literate society, to be left without access to broadband is incomprehensible.


-ENDS-