Udaras na Gaeltachta has expressed 'grave concern' about reports that Eircom is to withdraw from a Government funded programme to provide fibre optic and digital subscriber line (DSL) technology to the Border, Midlands and Western regions.
The authority said it had highlighted many times the major deficiencies in telecommunications infrastructure which had to be addressed before the Gaeltacht could begin to benefit from job creation opportunities offered by service-based enterprises.
It said further delays would impede its job creations efforts, and called on the Government to ensure that alternative providers were identified.
In January, the Government announced funding of 75 million euros to seven different companies, including Eircom, for the extension of broadband facilities to less developed parts of the country.
