Kildare South broadband — if sufficient demand

Fine Gael Kildare South TD Martin Heydon has secured a commitment from Imagine to enter the broadband market in Kildare South should sufficient interest exist in their product.

“Availability of good quality broadband in rural areas of Kildare South is the single biggest issue that I faced on the campaign trail, reinforcing with me the need for a speedy solution,” the deputy says. “Progress is continuing on the state investment in broadband infrastructure but due to the nature and scale of that project, it will take time to be fully rolled out. In the meantime, I believe we also need to look to the commercial providers to give more options for those living in rural areas who need access to quality broadband immediately.”

Deputy Heydon says Imagine are interested in entering the market in Kildare South if sufficient interest exists in their product. “I have undertaken to gather expressions of interest forms from households and businesses in the area that will determine if they make the investment. Imagine recently rolled out rural broadband services in areas of North Kildare which proved popular and successful.”

Imagine are investigating the use of an existing mast at Old Kilcullen that would serve Kilcullen, Calverstown, Narraghmore, Suncroft, Athgarvan, Brannockstown, Nurney, Two Mile House and many other areas within a 13km area. If successful they could extend their coverage with the use of other masts in time.

“Details for expressions of interest can be emailed to me at martin.heydon@oir.ie, to include name, address and contact number or email and Eircode details if possible.”

Imagine has recently completed testing in North Kildare and now has a live service up and running in North Kildare, South Limerick/North Cork and is going live with sites in Galway, North Kerry and South Wexford in the coming month.

“I want to ensure that Kildare South is included on this list of services,” Deputy Heydon concluded.