Broadband issues could cost 150 jobs: Hayes

Poor broadband access in Co Tipperary could result in the loss of up to 150 jobs, the Dáil heard today.

Fine Gael TD Tom Hayes claimed that four firms in his Tipperary South constituency had threatened to relocate elsewhere because of delays in roll-out of the communications technology.

“There is a huge crisis in many small towns and villages throughout the country in relation to broadband,” he said during the Order of Business.

Mr Hayes said he had letters from four companies in his constituency who were going to relocate a total of 150 jobs in coming months if local access to broadband isn’t established.

Referring to Government inaction on the issue, he told the Dáil: “We’ve had commitments and statements but no movement.”

Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue immediately ruled the issue out of order.

However Arts, Sport and Tourism Minister Seamus Brennan, who was representing the Government in the Dail, said legislation was published last year which dealt with some issues Mr Hayes raised.