Broadband hotspots to boost internet in rural areas

TOWN halls, community centres, schools and libraries are to be converted into highspeed broadband hubs under fresh plans to improve internet services in rural Ireland.

More than 300 locations in rural communities are to become broadband hubs to allow local residents highspeed internet access while the National Broadband Plan is being rolled out across the country.

More than 50 Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are up and running and now there are plans to introduce another 200 before the end of the year.

The free high-speed internet access at publicly accessible sites is part of the Government’s new ‘Connected Communities’ project.

It is hoped it will allow people work from home and connect with family and friends while awaiting the introducing of fibre-optic broadband cables in their communities.

The scheme is a partnership between the Government, National Broadband Ireland and Vodafone.

Launching the project at Glenasmole Community Centre in south county Dublin, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys said the Covid pandemic has “shown the value of digital technology” in enabling workers, businesses and families to stay connected.

“The BCPs are intended to bring people together through digital connectivity, and it’s that togetherness that I want to emphasise,” she said.

Communications Minister Eamon Ryan has said the National Broadband Plan is “one of the most important capital investments in the history of the State”. He said it will help transform communities that have been left behind.