Speaking on the announcement 13 April 2018 of a €500m investment by the European Investment Bank towards the National Broadband Plan, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot commented:
“Inadequate broadband coverage is a significant issue facing many rural businesses and leaves them at a serious disadvantage relative to other parts of the country. Rural businesses have been long awaiting the now severely delayed National Broadband Plan and this funding from the EIB confirms the necessity of investment in rural broadband in Ireland.
We have an opportunity through the National Broadband Plan to revitalise rural Ireland and harness the potential of businesses in every corner of the country to grow and succeed. This funding is a vote of confidence in the National Broadband Plan and Government must now act to make the Plan a reality. Rural Ireland and rural businesses have waited far too long.”