Communications budget down 6.5%

OVERALL the budget for the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources will fall by 6.5% next year from €536 million to €501m.

The breakdown will see the biggest chunk of department money, €278m, going to broadcasting, followed by €81m for communications.

But the Labour party criticised the department’s ministers for the low 2% rise in fuel allowances. It was pathetic, said the party, considering the recent steep increases in electricity and gas and the bitter winter ahead.

Despite the department saying it will increase the rollout of broadband in schools with €6m in funds, Labour claimed there was “a serious hole in” in communications. The party said funding in some communication areas was being slashed by 67% and the entire Information and Communications Technology Programme was being cut by 25%.

The budget will also see the central and regional fisheries boards amalgamated into a national inland fisheries board.

The department argued sustainable energy programmes would get a 10% boost to more than €53m in funds. This will include grants for the Home Energy Saving Schemes.