The Minister for Public Enterprise Ms O’Rourke is investigating the possibility of installing a major fibre-optic cable to run along the Irish Atlantic seaboard serving counties from Donegal to Kerry.
Ms 0’Rourke said the study would focus on the establishment of a public/private partnership to build and operate the broadband corridor.
"The feasibility study will examine the onward extension of networks under the National Development Plan, the location of the infrastructure, and dovetail with the aspirations and ambitions of local authorities and regional development agencies," Ms O’Rourke said.
"It will also tell us the extent, if any, of a shortage of broadband capacity along the west coast."
Speaking at an Educational Technology Users’ Conference in Sligo she said: "As a Government we are committed to widespread participation of all sectors of society in the information age. The new information society is inclusive. However to reap the benefits of new technology you need the infrastructure."
"Any new Atlantic corridor would link many parts of the west with high-speed quality access to Ireland’s international links across the globe.
"The National Development Plan earmarked £150 million for the rollout of broadband around the country. That has been happening. I now want to ensure that the Atlantic corridor is built to add to the great work we have done."
Ms O’Rourke expects to present the findings of the feasibility study in September.