Broadband rollout accelerated for local schools

Thirty Meath primary schools will be connected to high-speed broadband by the end of 2022 in an acceleration of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) announced by the Government and NBI.

Under the originally-planned rollout, some schools would have had to wait up to seven years for connection. Now, all schools will be connected within two years.

Some 70 schools across the country in the 'Intervention Area' - where broadband connectivity is particularly poor - will become Broadband Connection Points (BCPs), by next spring, receiving 150mb high-speed connectivity for educational access.

The Meath schools included in the programme are St Anne’s NS, Kilskyre NS, Culmullin NS, Newtown NS,Gaelscoil An Bhradáin Fheasa, Kentstown NS, Gaelscoil Na Mí, Saint Catherine’s NS, Oristown, Ballinlough NS, Kilbeg NS, Ughtyneill NS, Kilcloon NS, Mount Hanover NS, St Brigid’s NS, Scoil Mhuire, Scoil Naomh Pio, Scoil Realt Na Mara, Stackallen NS, Bohermeen NS, Scoil Naomh Padraig, St Stephens Ns, Scoil Naomh Eoin, Scoil Nais Finin Naofa, St Nicholas Primary School, Carnaross NS, SN Mhuire, Scoil Mhichil Na Buachaill andTrim Educate Together NS.

Minister for EU Affairs Thomas Byrne welcomed the rollout announcement. “These schools will be able to participate fully in the digital revolution that is taking place..

"This is an investment in education, technology and rural Ireland. The National Broadband Plan will allow all parts of the State to take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead. Fast-tracking connectivity for schools is a great first step,” commented Minister Byrne.

“It’s vital that every school, no matter how remote, has access to world-leading high-speed broadband and so I gladly welcome this investment," he said.