‘Dark ages’ jibe as Ryan launches broadband plan two years late

THE Government has been accused of living in the “dark ages” after it announced the roll-out of broadband across the entire country by September 2010 — more than two years after it was promised.

Communications Minister Eamon Ryan announced that 170 jobs will be created in a €223 million investment to bring high-speed telecommunication connections to all rural parts of the country.

Ireland has 1.2 million broadband users and the National Broadband Scheme will target the 33% of the country which has no access to always-on, high-speed internet. The scheme will enable about 223,000 more homes and businesses to connect to the internet.