Government Committed To Broadband Roll-Out At Local And National Level

A prime example of this was the area of wireless communications, the Minister said, where there are now over 2 billion mobile users worldwide.

Minister Killeen was speaking at a colloquium on the subject of wireless communications where industry and academics recognised the unprecedented growth of the area and exchanged views on how technical challenges can be met.

He commented, ‘The continued development of wireless technologies will support this Government’s priority of delivering high speed broadband. With 1,000 new users signing up worldwide every minute to wireless technology, it is the fastest growing segment of the communications industry. Of course, opportunities bring challenges but my firm belief is that research and innovation are key to meeting these technological challenges.’

The Minister continued, ‘Sustained investment in research fosters innovation which is an essential component of any knowledge based economy. The Government recently committed €8.2billion over the next seven years towards national science, technology and innovation policy, which shows our commitment to placing Ireland at the forefront of the generation and use of knowledge.’

‘The development of a strong research base in Ireland is a key driver in achieving economic success, something which the provision of broadband is central to and something which I am confident we are on our way to achieving’, added Minister Killeen.

Commenting on the future rollout of broadband services across County Clare, Minister Killeen said, ‘Coupled with Eircom’s enabling of numerous exchanges around Clare over the next 18 months, I believe that the National Broadband Scheme will greatly increase accessibility to broadband services for the majority of Clare people.’

He stated, ‘The Government is committed to bringing competitive, affordable and innovative broadband services to all consumers. Increasing numbers of businesses rely on Internet access to operate and to trade and reliable broadband connection is vital for this. In addition increasing numbers of people use the Internet in their homes and broadband is essential for them also.’

‘I do understand the concerns of people in Clare who do not have access to broadband services. The Government will continue to alleviate these concerns and I am delighted to say that significant developments in the area of broadband provision are presently taking place and will continue to do so throughout 2008 and 2009’, added the Minister.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request
- The Government’s Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation, 2006–2013 was published in 2006. It represents a coherent approach to national science, technology and innovation policy. The Strategy integrates the key Government policy areas of education, research and enterprise and provides a focused approach to developing Ireland as a leading knowledge society. It will result in an investment of €8.2billion over the period 2007–2013