Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 June 2024
54. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will undertake an evaluation of further initiatives which could be taken to derive the full potential from the rural connectivity created by the National Broadband Plan, to deliver new services remotely and support new activity in rural communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26499/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the key focuses of Our Rural Future, the Government's Rural Development Policy 2021 - 2025, is optimising digital connectivity to support vibrant, sustainable rural communities. I want to close the digital divide between rural and urban communities and ensure that those living in rural communities are provided with the same opportunities as those in larger urban areas. Throughout my tenure as Minister for Rural and Community Development, I have been clear that balanced regional development, sustainable and thriving communities, and indeed the wider national economy will all benefit from workers and employers embracing the remote working revolution.
Our Rural Future recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that increased digital connectivity creates and commits to establishing a comprehensive national network of 400 remote working hubs over the lifetime of the policy. Over recent years, I have made significant funding available to rural communities around the country to support the use of digital connectivity. This funding has been provided through the schemes such as LEADER, Connected Hubs Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. These programmes have been designed to ensure that infrastructure and services are made available to meet the changing needs of our rural communities. These schemes also support job creation and enable people to stay in or return to their communities, which may not have been possible previously. I am determined to see these achievements built on.
Our Rural Future also commits to the rollout of approximately 300 community-based Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) for many of our most remote rural communities. The BCPs are publicly-accessible sites providing free WiFi internet connectivity to remote rural locations, including many of our offshore islands. My Department funds a number of projects which will take advantage of the opportunities that connectivity in BCPs offers, and provide solutions to challenges or address gaps in service that have been identified by the Department, local authority or other stakeholders. Projects in thematic areas such as Remote Working, Digital Skills and Education, eHealth and Arts and Culture have been developed in partnership with key stakeholders and rolled out to suitable BCPs across the network.
Following progress on the establishment of the Connected Hubs and BCP networks, my Department, together with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, is leading on the formulation of a first National Hub Strategy, in consultation with key stakeholders. This strategy will inform the future direction of the National Hub Network and ensure the strategic development and sustainability of Ireland’s hub infrastructure, including the BCP network.
Finally, my Department has already begun preparations for the development of a successor policy to Our Rural Future. As part of this, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has been engaged to undertake a review of the rural development policy framework in Ireland and work has commenced in this regard. The development of the successor policy will no doubt also include a focus on the importance of rural connectivity.
