AQW 54296/11-16

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 when the broadband voucher scheme will open for applications.

Answer:

The broadband Voucher Scheme will not open for further applications. The scheme ran out of money before Christmas leaving 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 funding of £0.5m I announced on 12th February 2016 will allow the rural businesses that had applied to the scheme but missed out due to lack of funding to receive their vouchers.