Digital Connectivity Strategy for Ireland
The Minister of State for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Ossian Smyth, has launched a public consultation on a draft Digital Connectivity Strategy for Ireland.
The draft strategy sets out the State’s ambition for digi-tal connectivity to be achieved by 2030. It also sets out the key ‘enablers’ that will ensure that these targets are met. These ‘enablers’ include:
• Delivering the National Broadband Plan;
• Safeguarding our international connectivity;
• Implementing our Cyber Security Strategy;
• Fostering best-in-class regulation;
• Improving the efficiency of deployment, via the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce; and
• Supporting new and innovative connectivity solu-tions.
This public consultation is asking for stakeholders’ views, from members of the public and from industry, on the overall strategy. It is also seeking views on the proposed ‘enablers’. Stakeholders are invited to submit their views, via email to digitalconnectivity@decc.gov.ie, by March 31.
The Digital Connectivity Strategy For Ireland directly supports the digital infrastructure dimension described in the recently launched ‘Harnessing Digital – Digital Ireland Framework’.
This framework outlines Ireland’s ambition to be a digital leader at the heart of European and global digital developments. It sets out a pathway to drive and enable the digital transition across the economy and our society. It aims to maximise the well-being of our citizens, the efficiency of public services, as well as the productivity, competitiveness, innovation and sustainability of our economy.
Further details can be found at: gov.ie - Harnessing Digital - The Digital Ireland Framework (www.gov.ie) / https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/adf42-harnessing-digital-the-digital-ireland-framework/.
Europe’s Digital Decade (see: Europe’s Digital Decade: digital targets for 2030 | European Commission (europa.eu)) is the EU’s vision for digital transformation by 2030. The EU Commission proposes a Digital Compass for the EU's Digital Decade that evolves around four cardinal points. The first two are focused on: digital infrastructures; and education and skills. The other two are focused on the digital transformation of business and public services.
The Digital Connectivity Strategy for Ireland addresses the digital infrastructure pillar of the EU’s Digital Decade.