Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Telecommunications 9.21 Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and digital connectivity is a key drivers of the social and economic development of the city. This section focuses primarily on the infrastructure required to support the delivery of an innovative and efficient ICT system. It supports the rollout of the National Broadband Plan (which aims to deliver high-speed broadband services to all businesses and households in Ireland), the enhancement of international fibre communications links and where possible the promotion of Cork as a location for ICT / Digital Society innovations.
The Cork Metropolitan Area Network supports high speed network connections across Cork’s key business zones and can deliver virtually unlimited bandwidth to the areas it serves. Additional public Wi-Fi zones facilitated by Cork City Council will help to improve the city’s digital connectivity for all. This connectivity facilitates big data, cloud, and media rich applications. Nevertheless, several areas could be improved such as mobile network coverage and high-speed broadband coverage. A new sub-sea cable is planned that will connect Cork directly to mainland Europe via France.
Digital Strategy
9.22 Cork City Council recently published its first Digital Strategy: Building a Connected City A Digital Strategy for Cork City 22 . Its strategic vision is to make Cork the Connected City – Innovative, Inclusive, and Inspiring. It recognises that Cork is well positioned to be a leader in the growth of Ireland’s digital economy. One of its ambitions is to utilise world class interconnected infrastructure to support Cork City’s digital connectivity. The growth of cloud computing, data analytics and other data intensive services means that tier one telecommunications connectivity is a key infrastructural requirement for Cork City. Cork has high-capacity digital connectivity with the EU and USA via a tier one fibre network, which provides a direct connection from Cork to key technology and financial centres in the UK and the USA.
22 Government of Ireland; Climate Action Plan 2019 To Tackle Climate Breakdown
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Cork City Draft Development Plan 2022-2028
Volume 1 I Chapter 9
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