Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2015
618. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has had meetings with a company (details supplied); the outcome of these meetings; the likely impact of this company's proposed operations on the roll-out of broadband nationally, under the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18683/15]
View answerAs part of the detailed planning phase of the National Broadband Plan, my officials continue to engage with a wide range of industry and stakeholder groups. This engagement process also included a recent meeting with a representative of the company referred to in the Deputy's question.
The meeting afforded my officials an opportunity to outline the scope and detail behind the proposed State intervention under the National Broadband Plan while the representative from the company concerned outlined its proposed involvement in the Irish broadband market, including a proposal to run a number of pilot fixed wireless projects nationwide. The company has not provided the Department with details of the location of any such pilots. Investment decisions by telecommunications networks providers, including the specific location of particular investments, are of course commercial decisions for the companies concerned.
In delivering this combination of commercial and State-led investment in high speed broadband, my Department continues to engage intensively with all commercial operators. Details of our engagement with industry are provided in monthly updates on the Department's mapping website www.broadband.gov.ie.
