Chambers Ireland
Investing in Communities Key to Ireland’s Future Competitiveness

Open Schools Broadband Service to Other Stakeholders

Out of Hours

Chambers Ireland has today (21/04/08) noted the need for smart thinking to deliver on the vision of Ireland as a global leader. Speaking at the organisation’s Local Economic and Social Development Conference, sponsored by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), Dr. Chris Coughlan, President Elect said, “Ireland is at a crossroads as we move from a period of high and unprecedented growth that has delivered to so many, to a period that will be characterised by a certain amount of consolidation and change.”

“Given our size and our ability to ‘punch above our weight’ internationally there is no reason why we cannot attain new rounds of success based upon innovative actions in the next phase of our development,” Dr. Coughlan said.

In the context of leveraging resources, in particular technology for all of our benefit, Dr. Coughlan continued “One way to equip communities with the skill sets needed in the global economy is to extend the schools broadband service to enable all community stakeholders to enjoy the benefits of technology out-of-hours, thereby extending the footprint of broadband services throughout the country in a cost effective manner.” 

“Chambers Ireland’s Digital Policy Council has recently called on the Minister for Education and Science to mandate that all new school text books also have a CD-Rom/DVD option as standard to enable those children who can use PCs to do so. By fostering the use of technology amongst the country’s young population, Ireland can be a leader and not a follower,” Dr. Coughlan said.

Citing the example of the Collison brothers from Castletroy, Limerick who recently sold their web based start-up to Canadian company Live Current Media, Dr. Coughlan continued, “It is vital that we invest in communities to ensure that they achieve the very best of their abilities. Young people such as Patrick and John Collison remind us of the talent that there is in Ireland,” Dr. Coughlan concluded. 

Speaking at the conference on the subject of ‘digital opportunities’, ComReg Commissioner Alex Chisholm drew attention to the many different ways in which digital technologies are positively enhancing people’s lives.  Mr. Chisholm acknowledged the rapid progress that has been made over the last two years in rolling out broadband networks in Ireland – with broadband services now taken by half of the households in the country – while calling for renewed focus on the implications for competitiveness, and the needs of social inclusion, to ensure that all sectors of society benefit.