A number of rural TDs have welcomed the updated National Broadband Plan.

Under the scheme broadband would be expanded to 9,000 rural homes and businesses.

The Communications Minister Denis Naughten revealed yesterday that it would be a private sector ownership model, with the network being privatised when the initial 25-year state contract is over.

Sinn Féin and Labour are criticising the plan saying that it will be another economic mistake like the privatisation of Eircom.

However, Rural Independent Group TD Mattie McGrath has said this model is the best option for everyone.

“If we go the other way in public ownership it will never happen – there has been so many commitments that people in the country in rural Ireland, and in some urban areas, are sick and tired of all the false promises,” said McGrath.

“This area promises to help private investment to deliver it and there will be mechanisms thereby to insure that they do and the good thing about it is that people who get the tenders would get paid unless they deliver.”