Northern Ireland has been given a £1.5 million sterling (€2.39 million) windfall from the UK Treasury to roll out broadband technology across the region.
It is part of a £30 million package designed to speed up the delivery of fast internet services across the UK by E-commerce Minister, Mr Douglas Alexander.
The funding has not yet been earmarked for specific schemes, according to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey. "My officials will be working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry, the other devolved administrations and Regional Development Agencies, as well as key local stakeholders, on finding ways of best utilising this funding," Sir Reg said. He said the Northern Ireland Assembly's regional development agencies had been asked to suggest innovative schemes that would best develop broadband networks and the use of the technology by businesses and consumers.
Sir Reg said development of broadband technology in Northern Ireland was part of the objectives of the Programme for Government in the North.
"The availability of world-class telecommunications infrastructure and services is central to regional economic development, knowledge-based wealth creation, innovation and social equality," he added.
The Minister said the role of broadband technology would play a central role in taking the Northern Ireland economy forward. "Industry is beginning to recognise the benefits broadband can bring to the way they do business and how they interact with their customers and suppliers.
"This package of support will help us to stimulate action across the region," Sir Reg added.
Meanwhile, Government Ministers in the North have welcomed plans by Woolworths, the retail chain, to create 250 retail jobs at a new superstore in Belfast.
The group plans to open its new look "Big W" store, the first in Ireland at the Yorkgate Shopping Centre in the city next month.
Dr Sean Farren, the North's Minister of Employment and Learning, said the creation of 250 jobs was a welcome boost to the economy and welcomed the group's commitment to recruit locally and to interview unemployed people for vacancies.
