Longford Connected Communities

Longford County Council Launch County’s First Broadband Connection Point (BCP)

Mullinalaghta Community Centre BCP Officially Opened by Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paul Ross.

Mullinalaghta Community Centre and Ballymore Shamrocks GAA Grounds

are one of the first live BCPs in the state. 

Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are among the first premises to be connected under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) and are in some of the most isolated and rural communities in the country, including islands off the coast of Donegal, Kerry, Mayo, Galway and Cork. 

BCPs are public locations which have been selected to receive free high-speed broadband connectivity in this the first year of the National Broadband Plan (NBP).  The BCP will provide high speed broadband access to communities that don't have it (amber area of the NBP), in advance of homes and businesses receiving future-proofed broadband directly to their door.

Today Councillor Paul Ross Cathaoirleach and Councillor Garry Murtagh, Cathaoirleach of Granard Municipal District, launched the first of 10 BCPs in Co. Longford at Mullinalaghta Community Centre. 

Councillor Ross stated, “this facility offers free WIFI outside in the car park and inside the community centre which is set up taking into account social distancing for citizens who wish to hot desk for work,  students who need to complete tasks online and anybody for that matter who needs a desk and a chair to work while using high speed broadband, all free of charge”.

Councillor Garry Murtagh stated, “Access to high-speed broadband connectivity has never been of greater importance and has become a vital utility particularly in our rural communities.  We are delighted to see Mullinalaghta Community Centre open as the first Broadband connection point (community WIFI) in Granard MD.  The local community and surrounding communities can call to the community centre and access this high-speed broadband.  This is a significant milestone for the area” 

Mr. Paddy Mahon, Chief Executive of Longford County Council, “welcomed the launch of the County’s first BCP, highlighting the important roll BCPs can play in providing access to high speed broadband during the Covid-19 crisis, enabling rural communities to stay connected and in touch”.

Ms Christine Collins, the Council’s Broadband and Digital Officer stated “Longford County Council are delighted that Longford have two of the first BCP’s to be connected in the country at Mullinalaghta Community Centre & Ballymore Shamrocks GAA.  I wish to thank the local community volunteers at Mullinalaghta community centre and at Ballymore Shamrocks GAA for their vital input and help in getting the sites up and running. Ballymore Shamrocks GAA are offering external access to WIFI.  I would like to invite all citizens to come and experience this community WIFI.”

Ms Collins also thanked the Dept of Rural and Community Development, Dept. of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, National Broadband Ireland and Vodafone Ireland for their work to develop a network of BCPs in Co. Longford under the connected communities initiative.  For further information on this initiative please contact broadbandofficer@longfordcoco.ie

Ms Collins stated, 10 BCPs will be established in Co. Longford,  

Councillor Ross concluded by stating “we all know the value of technology, these BCPs are vital for these communities and are part are part of the Government’s new Connected Communities initiative”