Broadband access 'vital for growth'

A Minister of State with responsibility for the roll-out of a national broadband infrastructure should be appointed by the Government, according to a Dáil Committee today.

The development of a national broadband plan to include all national, regional, county and city development plans should also be closely examined.

Easy access to high-speed broadband internet is essential for economic growth according to the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

The focus group said that broadband infrastructure was as important as rail, roads and electricity grids for economic development.

The group made the recommendations in a report submitted to the Government today.