Lobby group says coronavirus pandemic showed importance of rural broadband

A lobbying group comprising a range of organisations across Westmeath has told Westmeath County Council that the pandemic has demonstrated that broadband is no longer a luxury, but a prerequisite for modern living.

In a submission on the draft new Westmeath County Development Plan, the Westmeath Public Participation Network (WPPN), an independent network representing more than 740 community groups across Westmeath, focuses on broadband access, particularly in rural Westmeath.

“Westmeath needs to look at ways of improving broadband for those who simply cannot get broadband in their areas,” the submission states.

“It is no longer good enough to say that broadband will be in your area in three to five years’ time.

“Like the rollout of rural electrification, every home is deserving of efficient, affordable high-speed broadband; this is not a luxury it is a necessity of modern Ireland; no one should be left behind or disadvantaged due to where they live.”

The group says that the lack of broadband has been especially highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic, and that many people of all ages are really struggling, feeling isolated and cut off because of lack of adequate broadband access.

The WPPN says that while programs such as Zoom and Facetime enable people to stay in touch with friends, family, essential services, work colleagues and organisations from anywhere in the world, many people have been excluded from those technologies because of the lack of broadband in their areas.

Without broadband, older people have been left isolated; students have found themselves on the lower tier of a two-tiered educational system; members of community groups such as the Men’s Shed and Active Retirement groups have been unable to stay in touch with their peers.

The WPPN also argues that lack of broadband has shut off the potential for many to work from home.

“Poor broadband connectivity impedes the ability of individuals and communities to thrive in the digital economy.

“In addition to the effects on educational outcomes, lack of fast Internet access and cellphone-only access are associated with disadvantages that have lifelong consequences,” the submission says, as it calls on the council to look at ways of improving broadband for those who simply cannot get it in their areas.

The draft plan describes Westmeath as being “relatively well-connected” in terms of internet connectivity, as approximately 65 per cent of all households in the county have broadband.

“In Athlone the proportion of households with broadband is almost 71%, whereas in Mullingar this increases to 72.5% of households,” the draft plan states, as it commits to supporting the rollout of the National Broadband Plan.