Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2019
48. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of plans for the roll-out of the national broadband plan; the activities to take place in 2019 and 2020 following the allocation in budget 2020 to progress the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42314/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the Government decision in May to appoint NBI as the Preferred Bidder for the National Broadband Plan contract, work has continued on the due diligence necessary to conclude the contract. This process is progressing towards contract award, which is expected before the end of the year. The network deployment will commence shortly after that.
The National Broadband Plan will bridge the digital divide that is emerging between urban and rural areas. High speed connectivity has multiple potential positive impacts on the lives and livelihoods of citizens throughout the country. The National Broadband Plan will ensure that those benefits can be enjoyed by the 1.1 million people living in the Intervention Area.
It will encourage and facilitate new models of service in Health, Education and in Enterprise and help communities to benefit from new economic activities. More people will be able to work remotely, receive services in their own homes, and have access to technologies that will make for smarter living, learning, farming and business.
The deployment of the network will quickly bring tangible benefits to those living in rural areas. In Year 1 communities will be able to avail of high speed broadband services at over 300 Broadband Connection Points in rural locations around the country.
The Bidder is aiming to pass 133,000 home and business premises by the end of the second year, with 70-100,000 passed each year thereafter until roll out is completed.
No matter where a person lives in Ireland, the National Broadband Plan will ensure equality of opportunity to fully participate in the digital society
