Daingean in Co Offaly was last night celebrating an innovative way of bringing broadband into homes and workplaces.
The small town is the first community of fewer than 1,500 people to avail of the Government's support for group broadband schemes. The North Offaly Development Board teamed up with Daingean Development Association to bring broadband to the area.
The cost of digging up roads to lay fibre-optic cable meant Daingean and many towns like it was never on the broadband agenda. Wireless broadband, however, offered a lifeline.
Daingean teamed up with an Athlone-based company, Last Mile Ltd, to provide wireless broadband. There are grants under the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for towns of fewer than 1,500 people to set up group broadband schemes.
Mr Malachy Mangan of the the development board said that local dwellers and businesses could purchase equipment which would allow them to receive broadband.
The cost is €199 for installation, plus €39.99 a month. This offers always-on Internet access, and Mr Mangan said he expected a high level of interest.
"I know people who travel from Daingean to Dublin to work, but who could work at home if they had broadband.
"With more and more essential services now becoming available on-line, the need for broadband is increasing all the time," he said.
Last Mile Ltd is licensed to sell wireless broadband in Offaly, Longford, Roscommon and Westmeath.
Fintan O'Toole: page 16