Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys Marks Broadband Connection Point Milestone
Drumhowan Community Centre in Monaghan is 200th BCP to go live
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, (June 25, 2021) launched Ireland’s 200th Broadband Connection Point (BCP).
The roll-out of BCPs to rural towns and villages is a key commitment under Our Rural Future, the Government’s five year strategy for Rural Ireland.
BCPs are publicly accessible sites in areas that do not have adequate broadband services.
They are located in the likes of community centres, schools, libraries, parish halls, and sports clubs.
BCPs provide onsite use of high-speed broadband by the public and support a range of digitally enabled services, such as remote work and study.
Their roll-out is part of the Connected Communities initiative – a collaboration between the between the Government, National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and Vodafone Ireland.
Minister Humphreys was today joined by Minister of State with responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy Ossian Smyth TD, to mark the launch of the 200th BCP at Drumhowan Community Centre in Monaghan.
Speaking today, Minister Humphreys said:
“I’m delighted to mark this important milestone as we continue the rollout of high speed, good quality broadband across the country.
“We have now installed Broadband Connection Points in every single county, including some of our most remote locations such as our offshore islands.
“Drumhowan in Monaghan is officially number 200 in our BCP network with plans progressing to install a further 100 this year.
“Among the BCPs that are being launched are community centres, sports clubs, libraries and tourist locations.
“These BCPs will help facilitate people in terms of remote working which has become a reality for thousands as a result of COVID-19.
The Minister added:
“Our Rural Future was designed with communities like Drumhowan in mind and drew inspiration from them.
“The policy measures included in Our Rural Future are intended to support exactly this type of initiative and to encourage the Drumhowan approach: supporting workers to stay in their home places; and supporting rural innovation and enterprise.
“BCPs are not just a stop-gap measure while these communities await fibre connections.
“These are long term investments designed to help rural communities realise their full potential.
“In the coming months, my Department will begin pilot projects using BCPs as sites for eHealth facilities, education and training courses, arts and culture projects and, of course, for remote workers to do their jobs.”