AQW 54294/11-16

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 15/02/2016
Answered On Date: 25/02/2016
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development whether priority will be given to applications to the broadband voucher scheme from rural businesses who did not receive a voucher in 2015, due to a lack of funding.

Answer:

The funding of £0.5m I announced on 12th February 2016 will only be used to facilitate the rural businesses that had previously applied to the Broadband Voucher Scheme, but missed out due to lack of funding to receive their vouchers. This equates to some 170 rural business applicants unable to benefit from a voucher for up to £3,000 towards the cost of installation of a broadband service. The scheme will not actually re-open for applications.

While responsibility for broadband provision falls under the remit of DETI, I’ve been delighted to be able to assist so many rural businesses by committing this £0.5m to the broadband voucher scheme.

I’ve also been pleased to support domestic provision of broadband through the previous and new Rural Development Programme.