Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 October 2014
219. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the mapping exercise of the national broadband scheme coverage areas; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40693/14]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan aims to ensure that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses in Ireland, through a combination of commercial investment and a State-led intervention. The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5bn in network upgrades and at least 1.6m of Ireland's 2.3m premises are expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next number of years.
Under EU State Aid Guidelines Member States cannot intervene where commercial investors have plans to roll out services. My Department is currently finalising a national map which will identify those areas that require a State intervention. An initial examination has already identified a significant number of areas that will require State intervention.
As part of the mapping process, a stakeholder consultation was launched in June. Some 31 submissions have been received and non-commercially sensitive versions of these responses were published by my Department earlier this week.
I expect to publish the map shortly. Those accessing this map will be able to identify their own house or premises and see whether it is in the proposed intervention footprint. Where a house or premises is not in the proposed intervention area it means it either currently, or will in the near future, have access to commercial high speed broadband services. The map will be subject to change as new information becomes available or commercial investments are announced in the future. The maps will be the subject of public consultation over a number of months, allowing operators and citizens to comment, clarify and seek updates.
My Department's website will also contain user-friendly information that will help deal with queries or concerns members of the public might have regarding the proposed State intervention. In addition I intend to set up a help desk where people can contact my officials directly with issues or questions relating to the Plan
A further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy will be launched in mid-2015. My Department is also working closely with the European Commission with a view to obtaining State Aid clearance for the programme.
A detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder(s) towards the end of 2015.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland. Our goal is to ensure that quality broadband services are available to all citizens regardless of where they are located.
