One of the main farming organisations, the ICSA, has criticised more delays in the new national broadband scheme which may not now rollout until 2022.

Rural development chairman Seamus Sherlock is unhappy with the decision by the Department of Communications to delay the signing of a new national broadband contract until 2017.

Speaking following the decision Mr Sherlock said: “It is further evidence that rural Ireland is not getting the priority it deserves. This delay will have the knock on effect of further isolating and marginalising rural communities. The broadband rollout may now not be completed until 2022, it’s totally unacceptable that we are so far behind the curve on this issue.”

“People living in rural communities urgently need proper broadband with local banks and post offices closing. Also, the time is fast approaching when all farmers will be required to complete their BPS applications online, which when you don’t have access to broadband will cause serious difficulties. I am calling on the department to sort out their so-called planning and procedural issues on this matter because the people of rural Ireland are not prepared to wait,” he concluded.