Broadband
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Athlone, Thursday, 13th May, 2004

Dermot Ahern T.D., Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, today outlined details of the €25 million Group Broadband Scheme to deliver high-speed broadband into our smaller communities over three years.

At a seminar in Athlone, Co. Westmeath, the Minister urged rural groups to seize the opportunity offered by broadband by putting their communities forward for the Government-supported scheme. The seminar was attended by community groups, broadband internet service providers, county development/enterprise officers and other invited interested parties.

The new scheme is open to all smaller and rural communities of less then 1,500 people. It is modelled on the Group Water Scheme and will empower local communities to draw up and implement their own broadband plans in partnership with broadband service providers.

The Government is to provide 55% capital funding - the maximum allowable under EU rules - with half of the funding payable at the commercial launch of broadband services to local businesses and residents. The balance of funding will be allocated when the scheme reaches the minimum subscriber targets for the projects.

The Minister told the gathering: “The fact that you have travelled from all over Ireland to be here today shows that you already know the importance of broadband. Broadband is an essential enabler of business, education and social inclusion. You clearly appreciate the risks of your communities falling onto the wrong side of the digital divide.”

“This seminar is very important in that it outlines how to put together a comprehensive and viable project proposal that details your implementation plan, your community, realistic projections for subscribers and fees, and your business financial projections. And secondly, how you will be refunded the grant amount in two phases, upon meeting key performance milestones and reporting requirements.”

Minister Ahern said: “These new broadband services will reduce the peripherality of smaller and rural communities. They will lead to improved employment opportunities, a more favourable investment environment and make rural villages and hinterlands more economically sustainable.”

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