Provision of broadband

Madam, - Following a failed attempt by me to ascertain when broadband might be available in my part of rural Co Galway, a massive…

Madam, - Following a failed attempt by me to ascertain when broadband might be available in my part of rural Co Galway, a massive 14 miles from Galway city I wrote via my local TD to the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Noel Dempsey TD, regarding the provision of broadband in my area.

In the second paragraph of his reply he states: "The provision of telecommunications, including broadband, is a matter for private-sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market."

Should I take it from this that the roll-out of broadband and its provision to rural Ireland is not a matter for Government?

Does the Minister not have any policy or timeframe commitments in this area from these private sector companies?

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Is access to broadband not something those of us living outside the Pale require? - Yours, etc,

PAUL McCARTHY, Turloughmore, Co Galway.