An independent report on the contentious broadband plan will be delayed until after the local and European elections amid claims it could unfairly impact on the votes.

Families and businesses in the most isolated parts of rural Ireland may have to pay extra fees out of their own pocket under the Government’s €3bn broadband plan.

The Government has agreed a €3bn plan to roll out high-speed broadband to over 540,000 homes and premises in rural Ireland over the next seven years.