Good afternoon, and let me start by saying a sincere “Thank You” to Michael Counihan and the Irish Exporters Association for the kind invitation to address you and formally launch this publication.
The importance of broadband connectivity and ICT development cannot be understated. Within the past few years we have witnessed the emergence of ICT as a principal enabler of economic success – the most important development since the industrial revolution. Indeed, it has become the most essential tool for any enterprise that wants to succeed. It offers access to the world at the touch of a keyboard, and opens new horizons for businesses both large and small.
The ICT sector is a major contributor to Ireland’s prosperity, with ICT products and services accounting for over one-third of all exports.
Ireland has rightly gained a worldwide reputation in the industry, and we are looked to as an example of what can be achieved by a small country with vision, energy and forward thinking.
The Irish Government believes that broadband connectivity is an essential part of ICT development. High-speed low-cost broadband plays a vital role in moving the country to the forefront of knowledge-based economies.
Chapter 4 of today’s publication gives an extensive account of my Department’s Regional Broadband Programme, with its three main initiatives, the Metropolitan Area Networks, the County and Group Broadband Schemes and the Broadband For Schools programme.
The map on page 28 shows the extent of coverage by the MANs and Group Broadband Schemes. It also outlines the ESB’s fibre trunk network, which was part-funded by my Department under the NDP 2000-2006.
The Broadband For Schools programme is well under way, and will bring broadband connectivity to almost 4,000 primary and post primary schools by the end of this year.
The success of the first phase of the MANs project has led to a second Call For Proposals, with funding of €80 million earmarked from 2005-2007 for broadband provision in another 94 towns nationwide.
The creation of such infrastructure is widely regarded as a significant contributor to economic, educational and social development, and is already offering opportunities for businesses both large and small to become and remain competitive through ICT.
The growth of Internet use by businesses has been spectacular. According to EU statistics for March 2005 there are 2,060,000 Internet users in Ireland. This represents user growth of 162.8% in the last four years, and a market penetration per population of 51.2%.
Businesses have been quick to adopt the new technologies. 86% of all enterprises have Internet access, and for large enterprises the figure is 100%.
The challenge we must face is the provision of true broadband connectivity in all areas at affordable costs, so that the business and commercial world and the private citizen can reap the fullest benefits of the technology.
Let me conclude by complimenting Bill O’Dea, author of “Barriers to E-Business Development in the Regions” for an excellent paper, which focuses on the real world of ICT for Irish businesses, large and small, North and South. There are challenges ahead for all of us, and this document points to how and where these challenges will be met.
Thank you.
Ends