Further major delays in bringing high speed broadband to the Shannonside Northern Sound region are due to a lack of leadership according to a local TD.
The National Broadband Plan will only connect 35,000 homes and businesses nationwide by the end of the year, out of a revised target of 60,000.
Roscommon/Galway TD and former communications minister Denis Naughten says the current government pulled the handbrake on the project over the last two years.
The Independent deputy says premises in rural Roscommon and Carrick on Shannon will now be connected by the end of next year, while Castlerea's connection has been pushed out to 2023.
Speaking to Shannonside Northern Sound, Deputy Naughten says local connections are not being given the priority they deserve:
