‘Broadband officers’ to oversee revamp in rural areas

A ‘broadband officer’ position is set to be created for every county in a bid to fast-track improvements in the sector after years of rural community delays.

The move is due to be agreed at cabinet today at a meeting which will also see new domestic violence bill laws signed off on by ministers including TV-link court evidence for victims, plans to ban forced marriages and the scrapping of all exemptions for under-18s to marry.

Under plans brought forward by Communications Minister Denis Naughten and Rural Minister Heather Humphreys, a liaison position between councils and phone firms is to be set up for every county.