Mullooly points to underutilised EU resources to enhance rural broadband

CIARAN Mullooly, Independent Ireland’s candidate for the European Parliament elections in the Midlands North-West constituency, is calling for immediate action to be taken to address the rural broadband deficiencies in Ireland by utilising available EU funding mechanisms.

Mullooly said that the National Broadband Plan (NBP), while improving connectivity in rural regions, will take 'too long to roll out', adding: “The world is a very different place than it was in 2018 when the NBP was being finalised.

“European funding is being used as part of the NBP already, but there is a reasonable argument to be made that support needs to be front-loaded now, particularly in order to accelerate broadband rollout in peripheral rural areas.”

As rural communities across the midlands north-west continue to suffer from inadequate internet connectivity, Mullooly has highlighted the potential of the EU's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to bridge the digital divide.

He said: “The digital divide in Ireland is leaving our rural communities behind, particularly in this new world of working from home.

“Access to high-speed internet is now essential for education, business and daily life. It’s time for the Irish government to fully leverage the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility.”

The CEF is a key EU funding instrument designed to promote growth, jobs and competitiveness through targeted infrastructure investment at the European level.

“The people of the midlands north-west deserve the same opportunities as those in urban areas.

“We must ensure that our rural communities are not left behind in the digital age. EU funding mechanisms like the CEF offer us a practical solution and I will drive to deliver more if elected.”