Rabbitte announces €106m for energy and broadband schemes

The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte has announced funds of €76m (including an additional €13m carryover) for 4,500 direct and indirect jobs for energy efficiency measures under the Better Energy: Homes Scheme.

The budget for his department comes to €437m in 2012 and Capital expenditure in 2012 is estimated at about €120m when capital carryover of €15.8m from 2011 is added.

Minister Rabbitte pledged to continue funding in the implementation of the Affordable Energy Strategy through Better Energy: Warmer Homes.

His department will also provide €30m for the further phased rollout of 100mbs broadband to second level schools, and the rollout of the Rural Broadband Scheme.

Some €3m is provided for the Digital Switchover Programme, including provision to deliver a national community based digital switchover outreach programme.

Minister Rabbitte said: "I am especially pleased that the Government has approved the roll-out of high speed broadband to all the second level schools of the nation.

"Over the coming years this initiative will make a considerable contribution to new teaching methods, boost learning opportunities for all students including those with learning difficulties and ultimately make a major contribution to competitiveness for the workforce of the future."

The Minister noted that the exchequer provisions will be supplemented by significant additional public and private investment in the Energy and Technologies areas which will advance sustainable job creation and more generally assist Ireland’s competitiveness.