WATCH: Varadkar challenged by 12-year-old over the government's broadband plans

A schoolgirl has tackled the Taoiseach on the lack of broadband in rural areas.

Aoibheann Mangan (12), from Hollymount near Claremorris, Co Mayo, doorstepped Leo Varadkar after he launched InspireFest 2019, a two-day festival exploring the future of science, technology and creativity in Ireland.

He spoke about how he wanted Ireland to be "ahead of the curve" when it comes to technology development.

But Aoibheann told Mr Varadkar she had been going to a local Tesco car park to access wifi until recently.

She said broadband in rural Ireland was a big problem and asked how long people would have to wait for proper service. "It's not fair that people in Dublin get access to everything because they can get on the internet. Everyone should have those opportunities," she said.

The Taoiseach said he wished national broadband could happen faster, and told Aoibheann he feared the political Opposition could derail the plan.