Local dismay as Eir quit rural broadband scheme

THE withdrawal of Eir from the National Broadband Plan spells bad news for rural Ireland.

So claims Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, chairman of Mayo County Council's Enterprise and Employment SPC.

Councillor Kilcoyne said this morning (Thursday) the pullout by Eir, formerly Eircom, is 'extremely disappointing'.

Now only one provider, Enet, remains in the running for the contract to provide high-speed internet to 540,000 rural homes and businesses.

Councillor Kilcoyne said he fears that the involvement now of only one bidder – Siro has already withdrawn – may be indicative of long delays ahead in the provision of rural broadband.

He added: “The State has absolutely no control over the whole process.

“This would never have happened if Eircom wasn't sold off to the private sector.

“It raises the question whether government is committed to the national broadband scheme or not.”

However, the Minister for Communications, Denis Naughten, denies that the pullout by Eir is 'disastrous'.

“(With only one provider) You're going to have shovels in the ground quicker,” he predicted.