Availability of Next Generation Broadband. Investment in ICT is one of the four thematic objectives prioritised for investment in the ERDF Regulation. The thematic flyer7 produced by the EU Commission sets out the reasons for investment in ICT as Web-connected companies achieve higher revenue growth and create more jobs than their offline competitors. Effective use of ICT increases workplace productivity, and therefore competitiveness. Improving access to quality ICT, especially in remote areas, can increase the quality of life of individuals by facilitating access to services, such as e-health. The policy context of Europe 2020 and the Irish Government policy set ambitious targets for the provision of high-speed next generation broadband and this is therefore justified for inclusion. The findings of the Needs Analyses and consultation exercises, both in terms of the identified trends and deficits in high speed broadband availability, strongly supports this and recognises the role Next Generation Broadband (NGB) plays in ensuring strong and competitive regions. The development of the telecommunications infrastructure was also highlighted in a number of the submissions received under the public consultation processes held by the Regional Assemblies on the preparation of the Regional Programmes 2014-2020. Broadband infrastructure investment forms a key element of the current Regional OPs and has been successfully implemented, with positive outcomes, as affirmed by the programme evaluations. The benefits accruing from NGB investment permeate all aspects of the economy and society. Investment has the potential to impact positively on the environment and to promote and support the principles of equality and accessibility. Such investment also offers important synergies with other proposed investment priorities and other CSF funds in Ireland for the 2014-2020 period. From a regional and rural perspective, there are extensive areas in both regions that will require publicly funded investment in order to ensure that they will be provided with high-speed next generation broadband infrastructure, if both the national and EU targets are to be achieved, the Country Specific Recommendations are to be implemented and the existing digital divide not be made worse. In order to meet national targets in respect of high speed broadband availability and to contribute to the EU Digital Agenda objectives the Member State (MS) devised a National Broadband Plan (NBP). The MS acknowledges that the market will not res...
