By Cillian Doyle.
Secure and adequate broadband is essential in rural areas.
That's the view of Carlow-Kilkenny TD Kathleen Funchion who raised the matter in the Dáil.
It's after a business in Co. Carlow could not send an email due to internet problems, and as a result, had to travel to Dublin to collect goods.
The Sinn Féin deputy says more people are remote working, and high-speed internet is needed for those in rural areas.
Deputy Funchion says the issue will only get worse if not improved now:
"We need to be looking at real and proper solutions that can work for rural town and villages"
"The situation is going to get worse - more people are working from home and while that's welcome - it's not an option for a huge amount of people who just don't have proper broadband."
Deputy Funchion also stated that businesses in rural areas are struggling to operate:
"There is a situation in both Carlow and Kilkenny - several businesses are having significant issues operating their businesses online."
