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GROUP BROADBAND SCHEME FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES
Dermot Ahern T.D., Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, has outlined details of the €25 million Group Broadband Scheme to deliver high-speed broadband into our smaller communities over three years. The Minister has urged rural groups to seize the opportunity offered by broadband by putting their communities forward for the Government-supported scheme. The new scheme is open to all smaller and rural communities of less then 1,500 people. It is modelled on the Group Water Scheme and will empower local communities to draw up and implement their own broadband plans in partnership with broadband service providers. The Government is to provide 55% capital funding – the maximum allowable under EU rules – with half of the funding payable at the commercial launch of broadband services to local businesses and residents. The balance of funding will be allocated when the scheme reaches the minimum subscriber targets for the projects. More information: www.dcmnr.ie/display.asp/pg=1484