INISHOWEN homes with
poor internet connections could be left out of the
national Rural Broadband Scheme, according to
Charlie McConalogue TD.
He said the new initiative appears to apply only to
homes and businesses with no internet access
whatsoever. However, the local deputy, who lives in
the broadband blackspot of Gleneely-Culdaff, said
many families here will lose out.
"There appears to be a gaping hole in this
initiative as it looks like it only applies to homes
and businesses which currently have no internet
access whatsoever. That means that people with
extremely limited broadband coverage are not
eligible to upgrade to a minimum level under the
scheme.
“There are many homes and local businesses in
Donegal that technically have access to broadband at
the moment, but the service is so slow that it’s not
usable. I find it incredulous and unacceptable that
these people seem to be left out of the Rural
Broadband Scheme," said Deputy MacConalogue.
He called on the Minister for Communications, Pat
Rabbitte, to clarify the position for those who
currently poor broadband.
"My concern is that this scheme will be last of its
kind, as the Government will feel it has given the
impression that the job is done. But I will not let
this issue lie.
"There is an urgent need for every single person
here in Donegal and across the country to have
access to a reasonable and useable broadband
service, and those who currently don’t have this
must be included in the current initiative," he
added. |
