News Release -
Exceptional response to Group Broadband Scheme in Shannon Region
29 projects - 25% of national submissions - to deliver broadband connectivity to 80 rural communities
Killaloe, Co. Clare, February 27, 2006….The Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey T.D., today announced that 29 rural broadband projects, involving 80 communities have been approved under the Group Broadband Scheme (GBS) in the Shannon region. Thirteen of these networks are now live and operational; three have been deployed and are at test stage, with the balance at service provider selection stage.
Making the announcement, Minister Dempsey said: “It is clear from the 29 projects approved for the Shannon region that the group broadband scheme has been embraced and driven with great enthusiasm and effort across the counties of Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Offaly. This has resulted in grant aid of almost €900,000 being approved for the provision of broadband in the region representing a capital investment of approximately €3 million. I am delighted to be present at the start of a new era of broadband connectivity in the Shannon region and I wish all the projects every success."
The delivery of broadband to rural communities in the Shannon region is driven by Shannon Broadband, the public sector consortium set up to develop world class broadband infrastructure and services throughout the region. Led by Shannon Development, it involves the local authorities of Limerick City, Limerick County, Clare, North Tipperary and Offaly, with the support of the Mid-West Regional Authority.
Mr Noel Dempsey TD Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources on board the Killaloe / Ballina Search & Rescue vessel, to launch the County & Group Broadband Scheme, with Kevin Thompstone, Chief Executive, Shannon Development; Orla Duffy, Irish Broadband; and Chris Carey, crew member. 80 communities in the Shannon Region have been approved for broadband services under the scheme.
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