WATCH: TD lists 53 Offaly areas without high speed broadband

Fianna Fail Offaly TD Barry Cowen in the Dail yesterday read out a list of 53 areas of Offaly which did not enjoy high-speed broadband access.

Speaking during a Dail debate on the National Broadband Procurement Process yesterday, Deputy Cowen said: “Over the years and even in my office today, I have had many conversations with constituents who do not have access to broadband despite the way we laud the idea of a knowledge economy and notwithstanding the Minister's assertion that, by the end of the year, seven out of ten households and 96% of business parks will have it.

“I owe it to my constituents, including those who are in touch with me on this on a regular basis, to read into the record the various areas in my constituency which do not have access to high-speed broadband,” he said, before listing 53 areas in Offaly.

Watch as Offaly TD lists 53 Offaly areas without high-speed broadband.

“When I go back to these people, I will be saying to them that when they get their opportunity, they can pass judgment on the Government and its commitment in this area. It has failed them.”

“Many of those areas will have it before the end of the year, including Shannonbridge,” replied Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten.