Written Answers Nos. 945-961
945. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the 2015 European water framework directive, if his Department is prepared to withdraw IPPC licences from industries along the Shannon which threaten our fishing tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49470/14]
View answerI have no function in relation to the matters outlined in the question. Implementation of the Water Framework Directive is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The issuing, monitoring and review of IPPC licences is a matter for the Environmental Protection Agency.
946. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to prioritise the rapid roll-out of high-speed broadband to all areas of rural County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49491/14]
View answer947. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to prioritise the rapid roll-out of high-speed broadband to all areas of rural County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49492/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 946 and 947 together.
The National Broadband Plan aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided.
The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades. Approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland are expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next two years. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available.
On the 24 November last, a public consultation on a national high speed coverage map 2016 was launched. The map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas on the map marked Blue will all have access to high speed broadband services of at least 30mbps from the commercial sector by end of 2016. The areas marked Amber will require the intervention of the State.
The map allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether their premises / home will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016 or whether they will be included in the Government's proposed intervention. It also provides detailed information on over 50,000 townlands in every county in Ireland, including Counties Longford and Westmeath.
It is anticipated that speeds of at least 30Mbps will be also delivered through the Government's intervention and the network will be designed to cater for future increased demand from consumers and business.
The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015. This is a requirement under EU state aid rules.
A detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder or bidders towards the end of this year and in this regard the Department will design a tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost to taxpayers as low as possible. It is expected that the physical build of this network will commence from 2016.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
948. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to initiate a capital programme to supply natural gas to County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49493/14]
View answerThe development and expansion of the natural gas network is in the first instance a commercial matter for Gaslink, which is mandated under Section 8 of the Gas Act 1976, as amended, to develop and maintain a national system for the supply of natural gas that is both economical and efficient.
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), is statutorily responsible for all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002. I have no statutory function in relation to the connection of towns to the gas network.
The CER, in 2006, approved a new network connections policy, which created the opportunity to reassess the feasibility of connecting certain towns to the gas network. In order for any town to be connected to the gas network, certain economic criteria need to be met as a prerequisite. The policy framework provides that, over a certain period, the costs of connecting the town to the network are recouped through the actual consumption of gas and the associated tariffs. This is designed to obviate against uneconomic projects which would increase costs for all gas consumers. The policy framework allows for the appraisal of a town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns.
As regards the connection of Longford to the gas network, and having full regard to CER’s network connections policy, Bord Gáis Networks, and more recently Gaslink, carried out a comprehensive assessment of 39 towns not already connected to the national gas network, with detailed economic analysis based on criteria outlined in the policy. The study was published in April 2010 following approval by the CER. The study included an appraisal of Longford as one of a group of towns. The Gaslink report found that 35 towns, including Longford, when appraised on an individual basis or as a group, did not qualify for connection on economic grounds.
Gaslink continues to keep under review the towns which did not qualify for connection under that study, and other towns, on an ongoing basis. The key factor which would qualify a town, or group of towns, in any future review would be a significant increase in demand for natural gas, usually resulting from the addition of a new large industrial or commercial facility. To date, this has not happened in the case of Longford.
949. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will examine a submission regarding Eircode (details supplied); his views on this comprehensive and logical report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49552/14]
View answerMy Department commenced a procurement process for a National Postcode System in 2011. An open and competitive procurement process was conducted in accordance with Department of Finance and EU procurement frameworks. A pre-qualification questionnaire was issued on www.etenders.gov.ie on 17 January 2011. This invited interested parties to tender for the contract as a postcode management licence holder for a period of 10 years to design, provide, disseminate and maintain a National Postcode System. A number of companies entered and participated in the procurement process. Three parties qualified following Stage 1 of the procurement process. Landmark, a UK company, withdrew from the process at the final tender stage. The Department subsequently received two final bids from consortia led by Capita and An Post.
On 8 October 2013, the Government approved the appointment of Capita Business Support Services Ireland Limited as the company which will develop, roll-out and operate the National Postcode System.
I have received the submission referenced by the Question and make the following general points. There has been widespread support from both public sector bodies and private businesses with particular interest from the retail and financial industries for the introduction of postcodes nationally. In addition, the emergency services see the introduction of postcodes as facilitating the speedier deployment of their services. An Post, who were actively involved in the design process, and who are fully committed to using Eircodes, are currently updating their mail sortation systems to fully integrate with Eircodes. Eircodes will facilitate improved efficiencies and quality improvements in the mails sector and provide a stimulus to mail volumes through improved marketing capabilities. The consortium developing the system has also undertaken a significant programme of business engagement with both private and public stakeholders. The unique identifier will be particularly useful in identifying the 35% of addresses in Ireland which are non-unique.
The Government is fully committed to introducing Eircodes. The project is currently in the implementation phase and is scheduled to be rolled out nationwide by the middle of 2015. Every Irish address will be receiving a unique Eircode by post. In common with postcodes systems internationally, our postcode system is designed to identify addresses as opposed to other physical features and locations.
My Department will respond directly to the correspondent in relation to the submission with reference to the detailed points contained therein.
950. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the quantity in megawatts of renewable energy generating capacity that has received final planning permission by local authorities or An Bord Pleanála since 2000; the exact quantity of renewable energy generating capacity which, under the planning permission granted, may be connected to the national grid in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49684/14]
View answerThe Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) schemes, administered by my Department, are the primary means through which renewable electricity is supported in Ireland. The REFIT schemes are funded through the Public Service Obligation. The Commission for Energy Regulation’s (CER) Decision Paper (CER/14/361) of July 2014 states that a total of 1,874 MW renewable generation capacity is included in the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy for 2014/15. At end of 2014 there was approximately 2,500 MW of renewable generation capacity connected to the national grid.
One of the eligibility criteria for support under the REFIT schemes is that full planning permission has been issued by the appropriate planning authority for the construction of the relevant electricity generating plant at the site, or that the applicant demonstrates that planning permission is not required.
All parties applying to connect to the national grid apply to the relevant System Operator, either the Transmission System Operator (TSO), EirGrid, or the Distribution System Operator (DSO), ESB Networks. The relevant System Operator will then issue a Connection Offer to eligible parties, termed 'Live offer'. Should a party wish to connect to the grid, it then executes this offer to form a Connection Agreement upon which the project is termed 'contracted'. In addition to planning permission, projects supported under REFIT must have an executed grid Connection Agreement. Once the Connection Agreement is executed, the necessary connection works are undertaken to connect the project to the grid. Once these are completed, the project is termed 'connected/energised'.
The System Operators have provided the data in the table below which give the current status of projects granted permission to connect to the grid in the period since 2000:
|
Status |
TSO (MW) |
DSO (MW) |
TSO+DSO (MW) |
|
Connected/Energised |
991 |
1325 |
2316 |
|
Contracted |
1745.2 |
2178 |
3923.2 |
|
Live offer |
194 |
227 |
421 |
|
Total (MW) |
2930.2 |
3730 |
6660.2 |
The quantity in megawatts of renewable energy generating capacity that has received final planning permission by local authorities or An Bord Pleanála is not held by my Department.
951. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to roll out efibre broadband to Ballyclough, County Limerick, in view of the fact that there are many persons in need of faster broadband for work purposes in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49687/14]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided.
The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades. Approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland are expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next two years. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available.
On the 24 November last, a public consultation on a national high speed coverage map 2016 was launched. The map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas on the map marked Blue will all have access to high speed broadband services of at least 30mbps from the commercial sector by end of 2016. The areas marked Amber will require the intervention of the State and includes Ballyclough, Co Limerick.
The map allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether their premises / home will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016 or whether they will be included in the Government's proposed intervention. It also provides detailed information on over 50,000 townlands in every county in Ireland, including Co Limerick.
It is anticipated that speeds of at least 30Mbps will be also delivered through the Government's intervention and the network will be designed to cater for future increased demand from consumers and business.
The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015. This is a requirement under EU state aid rules.
A detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder or bidders towards the end of this year and in this regard the Department will design a tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost to taxpayers as low as possible. It is expected that the physical build of this network will commence from 2016.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
952. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of agencies, quangos or other bodies within, funded by or established by his Department which have been scrapped, merged or reduced since this Government was formed; the amount saved in each case; the reduction in staff as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1010/15]
View answerThe Government, on completion of a wide ranging review of State Bodies, published its decision on the rationalisation of such Bodies in November 2012.
In relation to my Department, the Ordnance Survey of Ireland (OSI) will be merged with the Property Registration Authority and the Valuation Office which will, this year, see it transfer to the Department of Justice and Equality, who are leading on the transfer process. Medium term savings are likely to be achievable in the areas of common back office functions such as HR, conventional (non-specialised) IT systems, Financial Management and Corporate Services. There may also be potential savings in the areas of accommodation and software licences. In the longer term, greater efficiencies/synergies in delivery of the merged organisation’s services may lead to further savings in operational areas. Additional commercial revenues which would reduce the burden on the State may also be achievable in the medium to long term.
The Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) will transition to Dublin City Council (DCC) pending the enactment of legislation. Arrangements for the transitioning of DHDA to DCC are under way with a view to completing the transition this year.
There is provision for certain back-office administrative functions of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to be merged. It should be noted that neither BAI nor ComReg is Exchequer funded and any savings achieved would not reduce Exchequer expenditure.
953. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the agencies or sections from his Department that were decentralised during the period 1997 to 2011; the travel costs and expenses incurred by decentralised personnel travelling to their base Department in that period. [1025/15]
View answerThe following Divisions of my Department have decentralised wholly or in part to Cavan town:
- Information Systems Division;
- Corporate Services Division;
- Corporate Support Division;
- Finance and Corporate Affairs Division;
- Inland Fisheries Division;
- Internal Audit Unit.
The cost figures sought by the Deputy for the period since 2007, the date of formation of the Department in its current configuration, is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The information sought regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency. I have notified the relevant agencies of the Question and have requested them to respond directly to the Deputy on the matter.
954. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on offering financial assistance to wireless Internet service providers in any capacity to assist them to expand the services they provide to areas of rural Ireland that would otherwise not be serviced by a provider; if his attention has been drawn to the extraordinary costs, such as that of connecting to electricity, in such remote rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1048/15]
View answerAt the outset the State can only become active in the telecommunications market in cases of clear market failure. The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, are a matter in the first instance, for the many commercial players who operate in the Irish market. Therefore, decisions on when and where to locate investment are always taken on commercial grounds, having regard to the likely return on investment. Under EU Commission's State Aid guidelines, the State is prohibited from providing any financial assistance to any commercial operator for the expansion of their broadband service.
The Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) is a commitment to ensure that every citizen and business in Ireland has access to high quality, high speed broadband. This will be delivered through a combination of commercial and state investment.
The recent engagement between my Departmental officials and the telecommunications industry has highlighted the large number of small-scale local wireless operators who are currently providing broadband services to many local communities nationwide. This engagement has also highlighted the issues small operators have today to meet local demand for high speed broadband and the high cost associated with upgrading their services.
If any of these companies can demonstrate beyond doubt that they have the capability and resources to provide high speed broadband through their own investment then we will include them on our coverage map and the State led intervention will not be rolled out in these areas.
Even if these operators cannot afford to invest in their networks, I still see a major role for these companies as we will be providing the necessary funding to ensure a wholesale network is available that will be fully open to any retail operator who wishes to offer high speed broadband services to business or residential customers. Given the established customer base of many of these local companies I am confident that the NBP intervention will enable them to offer significantly enhanced services to their customers. My Department will be launching a procurement process later this year to award a contract or contracts for the roll out of the high speed network and all companies, large and small, may have an opportunity to be part of this process and receive funding for the network build.
Charges for connection to the Distribution System are calculated by ESB Networks Ltd and approved by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). This matter is an operational matter for the company concerned and not one in which I, as Minister, have a role or function.
955. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total amount of moneys paid by his Department to external consultants, professional companies or advisers in relation to the jobs action plan in each year since and including 2012; if he will provide in a tabular form the list of those organisations that received money; his Department's procurement policy regarding this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1133/15]
View answerThere has been no expenditure incurred by my Department, to date, on external consultants, professional companies or advisors in relation to the Action Plan for Jobs process.
956. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the broadcasting charge (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1167/15]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 6 of 11 December 2014, in which I set out the position in relation to consideration of the Public Service Broadcasting Charge, and that a number of administrative and operational amendments are also under consideration. This position has not changed.
957. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha bunaithe ar an treoir a thug an Roinn Caiteachas Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe do gach Roinn, cad é líon agus cad iad gráid na bpost dá mbeidh státseirbhísigh atá inniúil sa Ghaeilge agus sa Bhéarla ag teastáil; cad é líon na bpost sin a bhfuil duine leis an gcumas cuí Gaeilge agus Béarla iontu cheana féin arna bhriseadh síos de réir gráid; cén cháilíocht Gaeilge atá riachtanach do na poist sin; i gcás nach bhfuil an treoir ón Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe comhlíonta cad é údar na moille agus cén uair a dhéanfar an scrúdú; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [1427/15]
View answerTar éis an t-ábhar seo a scrúdú in 2014, chuir mo Roinn in iúl don Roinn Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe nach bhfuil aon riachtanas i mo Roinn faoi láthair le haghaidh poist a dteastaíonn Státseirbhísigh atá inniúil ar an nGaeilge agus ar an mBéarla lena n-aghaidh. Leanfar de bheith ag déanamh athbhreithniú air sin i bhfianaise athruithe ar riachtanais ghnó. Mar sin féin, tá roinnt ball foirne i mo Roinn a bhfuil scileanna Gaeilge acu agus is féidir leas a bhaint as na scileanna sin de réir mar a bhíonn gá leo. Seo gráid na mball foirne sin:
|
Grád |
Líon na mball foirne |
|
Leas-Rúnaí |
1 |
|
Príomhoifigeach |
2 |
|
Príomhoifigeach Cúnta |
3 |
|
Ardoifigeach Feidhmiúcháin |
2 |
|
Oifigeach Riaracháin |
1 |
|
Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin |
1 |
|
Stiúrthóir Shuirbhéireacht Gheolaíochta Éireann |
1 |
|
Druileálaí Cúnta |
1 |
Ina theannta sin tá conradh déanta ag mo Roinn le hOifigeach Gaeilge páirtaimseartha.
958. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide in tabular form the total photography costs for his Department per annum in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014; the costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; a list of occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; a breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1446/15]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table and covers the period March, 2011 to December, 2014:
|
Company |
Event Date |
Event |
Cost |
|
Maxwell Photography |
13/06/2011 |
Government convenes Next Generation Broadband Taskforce |
340.92 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
27/07/2011 |
Age Action Silver Surfer Launch (pre shoot) |
274.97 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
23/09/2011 |
Minister Rabbitte stock photos available for widespread media use |
409.58 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
24/10/2011 |
Minister Rabbitte welcomes EU Commission Telecoms specialists to Dublin |
552.67 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
(1) 27/11/11 |
Publication of the Government’s Affordable Energy Strategy |
1,052.70 |
|
(2) 16/11/11 |
Launch of Irish Anti Botnet Website (anti cyber crime initiative) |
||
|
Fennell Photography |
09/12/2011 |
Cunningham Awards, Geological Survey of Ireland, University Geology Project Competition Awards |
510.75 |
|
2011 Total |
3141.59 |
||
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
10/01/2012 |
Launch of Community Outreach Campaign - Digital TV Switchover |
492.00 |
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
13/01/2012 |
Launch of the SMS 112 emergency service |
492.00 |
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
06/02/2012 |
Nationwide rollout of high speed broadband to second level schools |
492.00 |
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
01/03/2012 |
Minister Rabbitte welcomes 23 Digital Outreach Champions |
492.00 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
02/05/2012 |
Next Generation Broadband Taskforce launch |
485.85 |
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
28/05/2012 |
Launch of the Renewable Energy Strategy Report |
492.00 |
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
22/08/2012 |
Third Central & North Atlantic Conjugate Margins Conference |
492.00 |
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
30/08/2012 |
Launch of the National Broadband Plan |
492.00 |
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
15/10/2012 |
Minister Rabbitte visits Kippure TV mast for Digital Switchover with media |
492.00 |
|
Phocus |
08/11/2012 |
Minister Rabbitte inspects high speed broadband in St. Colman’s School |
359.78 |
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
17/12/2012 |
Announcement of Ireland’s Digital Champion |
492.00 |
|
2012 Total |
5273.63 |
||
|
Jason Clarke Photography |
24/01/2013 |
Signing of Energy MoU with the UK |
492.00 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
28/02/2013 |
Launch of National Energy Efficiency Action Plan |
499.38 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
05/03/2013 |
Announcement of phase II of Schools Broadband in Warrenmount School |
361.62 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
11/07/2013 |
Launch of the National Digital Strategy |
327.18 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
26/11/2013 |
Appointment of the New Chairman and Commissioners in ComReg |
137.76 |
|
2013 Total |
1817.94 |
||
|
Maxwell Photography |
12/05/2014 |
Launch of Energy Green Paper |
327.18 |
|
Hany Marzouk (freelance photographer) |
25/04/2014 |
Announcement of National Broadband Plan state intervention |
230.00 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
11/06/2014 |
Launch of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme with Local Enterprise Offices |
309.96 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
24/06/2014 |
Launch of the report of the Internet Content Governance Advisory Group |
309.96 |
|
JMAC Photography |
26/06/2014 |
100,000th participant receiving digital training under BenefIT scheme – Arranmore Island |
227.00 |
|
Mr Kieran Clancy (freelance photographer) |
24/11/2014 |
National Broadband Plan Mapping Consultation, Doolin, Co Clare |
282 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
22/12/2014 |
National Digital Strategy Award of Grants to Benefit IIII projects |
[Invoice not yet received] |
|
2014 Total |
1686.10 |
||
|
Total |
11919.26 |
Photographers are booked for the purpose of recording key events attended by Ministers, such as the launch of schemes and programmes, new initiatives and visits by inward delegations. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, following an EU-level advertised procurement process, has established a Framework Agreement comprising five firms for the provision of photography services. The Framework was established in February 2012 and is open for use by all Government Departments and Offices. My Department avails of this Framework Agreement for photography needs.
Payments from Ministerial allowances are not a charge on the Vote of the Department and therefore my Department does not hold information on these allowances.
959. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide in tabular form the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department per annum in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014; if he will provide a list of uses of the external public relations firms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1454/15]
View answerMy Departmental remit includes complex policy areas, oversight of State regulation and service provision across key strategic services such as energy and public broadcasting, and regulation of sectors such as mining and hydrocarbon exploration. Given the technical complexity, economic significance and community interest in these areas, there is a requirement to disseminate information and to address specific issues as they arise. The Department, therefore, necessarily incurs some expenditure on public relations from time to time.
In procuring these services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and to keep expenditure to the minimum necessary.
The information which the Deputy requested is outlined in the following table:
|
Company |
Amount Spent on Public Relations |
Purpose of Consultancy |
|||
|
- |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
|
Morrow Communications Ltd |
€40,514 |
€19,538 |
€18,318 |
€28,221 |
Provision of services in relation to outreach in rural communities with respect to low flying geophysical survey and soil geochemical survey. |
|
Murray Consultants |
€8,349 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
Media Services to the Department. |
|
McConnells Advertising Agency |
€32,670 |
€86,933 |
n/a |
n/a |
Public information campaign on the Digital Switchover moving from analogue TV to Digital TV. |
|
Communications Consultants Ireland |
n/a |
n/a |
€1,797 |
n/a |
Management of two Public Information Meetings on new Inland Fisheries Legislation |
|
TOTAL |
€81,533 |
€106,471 |
€20,115 |
€28,221 |
960. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure that Arranmore Island, in view of the lack of appropriate broadband coverage for its inhabitants, will be prioritised as the first location to receive broadband through State intervention once the State-funded network is established; when areas which have been identified as requiring State intervention in order to receive high-speed broadband will begin to receive the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1580/15]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided.
The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades. Approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland are expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next two years. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available.
On the 24 November last, a public consultation on a national high speed coverage map 2016 was launched. The map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas on the map marked Blue will all have access to high speed broadband services of at least 30mbps from the commercial sector by end of 2016. The areas marked Amber will require the intervention of the State and includes Arranmore, Co Donegal.
The map allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether their premises / home will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016 or whether they will be included in the Government's proposed intervention. It also provides detailed information on over 50,000 townlands in every county in Ireland, including Co Donegal.
It is anticipated that speeds of at least 30Mbps will be also delivered through the Government's intervention and the network will be designed to cater for future increased demand from consumers and business.
The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015. This is a requirement under EU state aid rules. As part of the development of this Strategy, consideration will be given to prioritising particular areas where broadband connectivity is deemed to be particularly poor.
A detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder or bidders towards the end of this year and in this regard the Department will design a tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost to taxpayers as low as possible. It is expected that the physical build of this network will commence from 2016.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
961. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when fibre broadband will be rolled out to the areas of Dundrum and Knockavilla, County Tipperary; and when local residents in these areas will be able to access the Internet through a high-speed broadband connection. [1621/15]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided.
The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades. Approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland are expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next two years. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available.
On the 24 November last, a public consultation on a national high speed coverage map 2016 was launched. The map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas on the map marked Blue will all have access to high speed broadband services of at least 30mbps from the commercial sector by end of 2016. The areas marked Amber will require the intervention of the State.
The area of Dundrum, County Tipperary falls within a Blue area of the map and will therefore have access to high speed broadband services from the commercial sector by the end of 2016. Knockavilla is in an Amber area and therefore will be provided with high speed broadband services as part of the State led intervention.
The map allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether their premises / home will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016 or whether they will be included in the Government's proposed intervention. It also provides detailed information on over 50,000 townlands in every county in Ireland, including County Tipperary. It is anticipated that speeds of at least 30Mbps will be also delivered through the Government's intervention and the network will be designed to cater for future increased demand from consumers and business.
The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015. This is a requirement under EU state aid rules.
A detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder or bidders towards the end of this year and in this regard the Department will design a tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost to taxpayers as low as possible. It is expected that the physical build of this network will commence from 2016.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
