Broadband a huge issue on Longford's local election campaign trail

Cllr Paul Ross (FG) has expressed disappointment at a delay in the National Broadpand Plan rollout, which has hit another bump in the road, only weeks after An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar promised a decision would be made before Easter.

However, Minister for Communications Richard Bruton revealed earlier this week that Ministers would not meet the Easter timeline previously laid out by the Taoiseach.

“It's disappointing that this has been put back again. This is a huge issue on the local election campaign trail,” said Cllr Ross.

“In relatively built-up areas, the cost isn't huge, but there is huge cost in rural areas where houses are further apart and a connection line might have to run a mile between houses.”

The need for fast internet is becoming bigger and bigger, Cllr Ross (pictured) added, and people can no longer work on a dongle or router.

“It's regrettable that there's only one tender left for the National Broadband Plan, but it shows how complex this is.

“My personal opinion is that it just can't come quick enough. The government is doing their due dilligence and I'm confident that it will be rolled out soon. But it just can't come quick enough to areas like rural Longford.”

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