Galway has among the highest rate of mobile blackspots in the country, with 64 spots with no signal identified by the the Deaprtment of Rural and Community Development.
That’s according to Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte who is calling for an urgent review if Galway’s mobile coverage.
She added that fibre broadband must be rolled out urgently to help plug those holes in the network which are hurting communities.
“While certain parts of the country are making huge digital advances, Galway is being left behind once again,” Deputy Rabbitte said.
“From the closure of our banks, post offices and rural shops, we are now being left stranded with no mobile phone coverage.”
While blackspots in the mobile phone network have been identified, Deputy Rabbitte said that a similar analysis is needed to pinpoint the broadband dead zones in Galway.
“The government is ignoring the requirements of the people and communities in Galway.”
Having adequate phone and internet coverage is no longer a luxury she added, “it is a basic necessity for everyday life whether you are a student, a business owner, a farmer or a stay at home parent.”
“These services need to be prioritised so that every person living in an urban or rural area has access to quality mobile and broadband services.”
