Govt to invest €223m in broadband upgrade

The Government is to invest €223m in providing broadband to rural areas, creating some 170 jobs in the process.

Communications Minister Eamon Ryan says every part of the country will have broadband coverage by September of next year.

Telecoms firm 3 has been chosen provide the service following a corporate tendering process, a statement released by the Government said.

"The National Broadband Scheme will provide the remaining 10% of our population, or approximately 33% of the area of the country, with broadband services.

"Ireland will have 100% coverage by September 2010; half of the area under the scheme will be covered by the end of this year," the statement continued.

"Investment of €223m from a combination of Exchequer funds, EU co-financing and 3 will create 170 direct jobs. Hundreds more will be protected and created as the availability of broadband increases the investment and enterprise in the targeted areas."

Announcing the scheme, Minister Ryan said, "For too long, rural Ireland has been without this essential service.

"Today's announcement is a boost for the rural economy. Now businesses throughout the country can have ready access to the national and international markets."

Robert Finnegan, chief executive of 3, described the announcement as "great news" for rural Ireland.

"There has never been a more important time for people to get connected as Ireland strives to sharpen its competitiveness," Finnegan said.