BCPs at Ballysaggart, Knockanore, Mount Melleray and Modeligo launched

Local Broadband Connection Points (BCP) - community WiFi - have been launched by Waterford City and County Council and Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD.

Ballysaggart Community Centre, Knockanore Community Centre, Mount Melleray Community Hall and Modeligo Community Hall were all launched as BCPs last week, with Councillor James Tobin commenting that access to highspeed broadband connectivity has never been of greater importance and has become a vital utility, particularly in rural communities.

“We are delighted to see Knockanore, Ballysaggart, Modeligo and Mount Mellary Community Centres open as broadband connection points. The local community and surrounding communities, can call to the community centre and access this high-speed broadband. This is a significant milestone for the area,” Cllr Tobin said.

The rollout of the BCPs are a key part of the Connected Communities Initiative, which is led by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications in partnership with National Broadband Ireland and Vodafone.

Cathaoirleach of Waterford City and County Council Damien Geoghegan, also commended the facilities.

“These facilities offer free WiFi outside in the car park and inside the community centre which is set up, taking into account social distancing for citizens who need to complete tasks online, all free of charge,” he said.

OUR RURAL FUTURE

‘Connected Communities’ delivers high-speed internet access at publicly accessible sites for remote work, study, community/digital skills training, filing of forms and applications and a host of other digitally enabled services and amenities.

The initiative provides communities with connectivity (amber area of the National Broadband Plan), in advance of homes and businesses receiving futureproofed fibre broadband directly to their door

The rollout of 300 BCPs nationwide is a key part of ‘ Our Rural Future’, the Government’s five-year strategy for rural Ireland.

Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services, Waterford City & County Council also welcomed the launch of the county’s BCP’s, highlighting the important role BCPs can play during the Covid-19 crisis, enabling rural communities to stay connected and in touch.

The broadband officer also thanked the Dept of Rural and Community Development, Dept. of Environment, Climate and Communications, National Broadband Ireland, and Vodafone Ireland for their work to develop a network of BCPs in Co. Waterford under the connected communities initiative.