Fine Gael TD for Kildare South, Martin Heydon, has today (Monday) said that the publication of a detailed High Speed Broadband National Coverage Map is a step on the road to proper Broadband services for rural Ireland but there is still a lot to be done. He was speaking after Minister Alex White published the long awaited interactive national map showing where commercial operators will provide high speed broadband and where the state will have to step in.

“A total of 1,210 Kildare townlands with over 20,000 premises, representing 23% of the County’s premises, are shown as amber on the map highlighting them as areas where the state will need to intervene to provide high speed broadband services in the coming years. As part of today’s announcement, the Minister also confirmed that his Department plans to issue a public tender for the state investment by the end of 2015. The physical build of the extensive network is expected to commence in late 2016.

“A public consultation process on the content of the maps is now open until 12th February 2015 to ensure that they accurately reflect the extent of planned state investment. I would encourage anyone with concerns about Broadband in their area to consult the map to see if their own local area is covered and to engage in the public consultation process if required. The detailed interactive maps can be seen at www.broadband.gov.ie.

“The Minister has confirmed his commitment to this project and said that the next phase of the intervention strategy would be completed by summer 2015 with the procurement phase happening quickly after that.

“While today’s announcement is a positive step on the way to better services, this is an ambitious project which will take time. I will continue to highlight this issue whenever I can to try and ensure that all timelines are met and improved if at all possible.”