Today I had the pleasure of opening the Ireland-Sweden Digital Infrastructure Summit 2019 today at Ericsson in Athlone. I held a very informative bilateral meetings with the Swedish Minister for Energy and Digital Development Anders Ygeman, where we discussed the roll out of 5G and broadband in our respective countries. I was delighted to have the honour of then welcoming King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden to the summit. We took a tour of various demonstrations, including robotics and how digital technology is helping a wide range of industries. A panel discussion then followed in which I outlined the practical steps we are taking to future proof our digital infrastructure. A key part of our strategy is the network of Broadband Officers in all 31 local authorities. Their job is to identify our assets and opportunities in terms of networks and broadband so that we can attract inward investment, end the digital apartheid between urban and rural areas and stimulate business growth, including remote working.
Picture: Enjoying a light-hearted moment with King Carl XVI Gustaf.