Concern over cost and rollout of broadband connection points across Kilkenny

Far greater clarity is needed on the delivery of high-speed broadband connection points in Kilkenny, a local TD has said.

Kilkenny TD Bobby Aylward said he is concerned by the silence of the Government when pressed on questions about the cost, the speed of delivery or status and the procurement process on the rollout of broadband connections points across the county.

The Fianna Fáil TD said: “Anyone from rural Ireland listening to the [Communications] Minister [Richard Bruton] recently would not be filled with confidence when it comes to the substance of the details around the 300 broadband connection points. It has all the hallmarks of making it up as you go along.

“It is incredible, when a contract has been signed, that we still do not have the details of the very first part of the National Broadband Plan. Broadband Connections points are meant to provide a basic level of service to communities which are likely to be waiting a number of years for fibre to the home.”

Deputy Aylward (pictured below) added: “These services are meant to be available at 298 of these points by the end of next year, but the minister cannot answer basic questions. How much will these points cost? What speeds will be provided at these points? Will people be able to work from these points? These are fundamental to this service and right now there are residents in Counties Carlow and Kilkenny who are no clearer on the details.

“The Government have had almost a decade to work out how they intend these services to work and yet they cannot provide detail on a service which is meant to begin its rollout within weeks.”