The story that new communications methods would make it easier to work in rural areas seems to be wearing thin in Ireland's west coast. Salmon farmers say that broadband services are vital for the future of the industry...and the situation in Cill Chiaráin in Connemara is a case in point. Much of the farmed salmon in the area is sold through ISPG in Cill Chiaráin and the processing plant Cill Chiaráin Éisc is also located there. Eircom promised broadband services would be installed in the area by March, 2006. However, that has not happened and latest news is that it will be May before the service is available. Councillor Seosamh Ó Cuaig, member of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Board said it is not as if Eircom were paying for the project; "in fact if Údarás na Gaeltachta has commited over €300,000 to getting broadband to Cill Chiaráin and I can't see why it is taking Eircom so long."

Salmon farmers say that the broadband service is needed for the quick communitcation and payment systems that are expected by people trading internationally nowadays.

Mairtí Ó Catháin The Irish Skipper Aibreán 2006