The issue of farmers, rural dwellers and businesses who cannot access broadband internet services were debated this week at Stormont.
Ulster Unionist Agriculture Spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson MLA believes that farmers living in so-called rural ‘broadband blackspots’ are being disadvantaged by Executive Departments because they do not have internet access.
Raising her concerns during this week’s Agriculture and Rural Development Questions at the Assembly, the Upper Bann UUP MLA asked the Minister if she thought it was fair that farmers without broadband access could be effectively ‘penalised’ when trying to apply to Tranche 3 of the Farm Modernisation Programme.
It is proposed that applications to tranche 3 funding will receive additional points if they are submitted online.
“I am deeply concerned that those farmers who may be in the greatest need of modernisation, and are at present cut off from accessing the internet, will be penalised by DARD when making application for tranche 3 funding.
“In answer to my question the Minister urged farmers who do not have an internet connection to make their submissions at DARD Direct offices. However for some constituents of mine who live in Donaghcloney, in an area which does not receive broadband connection, this would mean a journey of over twenty miles. For many others in areas such as County Fermanagh the journey is often much longer.
“We also have the issue of farmers who may have access to the internet but who find the process of submitting application forms online to be far too complicated. I recognise that many farmers have undertaken computer training courses but am concerned that some people may be put off applying for funding through the scheme because there appear to be too many barriers and complications.
“I would therefore urge the Minister to recognise the difficulties that her policy of encouraging farmers to fill out all applications and forms online brings with it. For some it brings the ability to run their farm businesses more effectively and devote more of their time to working on their farm, for others, it may discourage them from seeking the vital assistance which farm modernsiation funding can bring to their businesses.
“I know the Minister has said she will investigate a scheme to help people with the installation costs of connecting to satellite broadband until a fixed-line service is available in their area. I would encourage her to ensure that this scheme is fairly and equally available to all rural dwellers, given the clear benefits, both financial and social of connecting isolated rural communities and businesses to the internet.