Cash boost for a super-connected Belfast

Published Thursday, 20 September 2012
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Belfast is on its way to becoming a super-connected city with the help of £13.7 million from Westminster.

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It is hoped the cash injection from the Urban Broadband Fund will boost the city's infrastructure, and act as a catalyst for foreign investment, new jobs and a better quality of life for Belfast's citizens by 2015.

The City Council itself will invest £3m in the scheme and the private sector will contribute a further £8m towards the Super-connected Cities Programme, giving a total outlay of £25m.

Belfast was in competition with 10 other cities across the UK to get the cash, with only London receiving a bigger grant.

Councillor Deirdre Hargey, chairman of the council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said:

"This is one of the most significant announcements for Belfast and the wider regional economy for some time and is a real game-changer as it will provide a world class digital infrastructure that will attract major foreign investment, create jobs, and provide a platform for local business start ups.

"It also brings major benefits for communities, residents, tourists and public sector organisations."

Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster said the fund will help rebuild the city's economy.

"The knock-on effects of this investment are significant and I am confident this good news will encourage new businesses to flourish in key creative industries requiring super-connectivity, and allow home-grown businesses to compete globally.

"I hope that Londonderry also receives good news when the second round of super-connected funding is announced," she added.

© UTV News
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1 Comments
Paul in Belfast wrote (244 days ago):
Most of central Dublin has free WIFI. The whole city will have free WIFI by 2013. They are miles ahead of London or Belfast
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