by Alan Jacques
THE roll-out of broadband to rural Limerick is as slow as the internet service itself.
That’s the opinion of independent councillor Emmett O’Brien, who is concerned that six months after Eircom promised super-fast e-fibre broadband for Adare and Askeaton, people are still relying on the third slowest broadband service in the country.
“The deadline for this super-fast broadband was pushed back from July, to August, to September, to October, and then to early 2015. Eircom’s website suggests that the broadband would be up and running in January 2015, but the service is still not available to businesses and private citizens in Adare and along the Shannon Estuary,” he said.
And he believes that the lack of a proper broadband service is inhibiting investment and job creation in the area.
“The lack of proper broadband in rural Limerick points to the Government’s lack of commitment to the people of rural Ireland. Over recent weeks, we learnt that at least 65 permanent jobs are to be lost at Pallas Foods in Newcastle West, following on from the 200 plus jobs already lost there in the last 15 months,” he commented.
Cllr O’Brien is calling for special attention to be given to areas such as Askeaton, Adare, Newcastle West and Kilmallock that continue to be “bottom of the list when it comes to essential infrastructure”.
“If any company is to invest in rural Limerick, or any indigenous business is to succeed in the global market, adequate broadband is a minimum requirement. And while 16 areas in Limerick are on a two year waiting list for speedier broadband, many more haven’t even made the waiting list.
“A guarantee was given that this multi million euro programme would ensure high speed connection for people living and working in this area. Let us hope this project isn’t also delayed, as the roll out of proper broadband in Limerick continues to echo its current connection speed.”
Marion Morrissey who runs a training business called Safe Aid Training Ltd in Ballinacarriga Kildimo agreed with Cllr O’Brien’s sentiments.
“Not having access to broadband as a basic amenity, makes running your own business very frustrating and makes it extremely difficult to expand within the marketplace. It is also very time consuming and inhibits us from running an efficient service through no fault of our own,” she explained.
There was no comment from Eircom at the time of going to press.
