Ministers back €3bn plan in ‘digital fairness’ for all of Ireland

Finance and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe has overruled his most senior officials to back the €3bn broadband plan in what he deems is “digital fairness” for the whole country.

Mr Donohoe said there is a requirement to “hardwire the country” for future needs — despite his department officials giving a “robust” criticism of the value-for-money elements of the plan.