Written Answers Nos. 1082-1101
1082. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal by persons (details supplied) under the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme tranche 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10686/16]
View answerAn application for Tranche 2 of the GLAS Scheme was received in this case on the dedicated GLAS online system on the 13 December 2015.
The unprecedented level of applications to the Scheme has meant that for GLAS 2, priority is being given to what are called Tier 1 and Tier 2 candidates, i.e. those who either manage key environmental assets like endangered birds, protected habitats or high-quality water courses, or who have committed to undertake particularly valuable environmental actions like growing feed-crops for wild birds, adopting low-impact tillage techniques or using low-emission slurry spreading methods.
The application for the persons named was ranked as a Tier 3 application and it was therefore not selected into the scheme. A letter issued to the persons named notifying them of this decision and giving the option of appeal to GLAS section. This decision was unsuccessfully appealed to GLAS Section and the persons named have been informed in writing of the outcome and of their right to appeal this further to the Agriculture Appeals Office (AAO), Kilminchy Court, Portlaoise. The AAO has advised that to date there is no record of an appeal having been made to that Office.
A third tranche of GLAS (GLAS 3) will open later this year and the persons named and any applicant who was unsuccessful in the second tranche will have the opportunity now to re-examine their proposed farm-plan, in consultation with their advisor, and see how it might be improved to increase their chance of selection under GLAS 3 and to submit a new application for GLAS 3 when the scheme is opened.
An official from my Department will contact the persons named.
1083. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons who applied under the fodder relief fund scheme and the average payout under the scheme. [9794/16]
View answerIn response to the recent winter floods a Fodder Aid Scheme was launched to compensate farmers for losses of fodder supplies experienced as a direct result of the winter floods. 389 applications were received. The average payment under the scheme to date is €2,000. A small number of cases remain where further information is awaited from applicants in order to finalise processing.
1084. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of broadband roll-out (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10356/16]
View answer1095. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9952/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1084 and 1095 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority.
It is expected that 70% of all premises in Ireland will receive high speed services from the commercial telecommunications market. The remaining 30% (over 750,000 premise) are the focus of a major State procurement, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ( 'PQQ') and Project Information Memorandum.
The High Speed Broadband Map 2020, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area.
The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that all of the 1.6m premises, where commercial operators have committed to providing services will have access to High Speed Broadband of at least 30mbps. The areas marked AMBER represent the target areas for the State Intervention.
Based on information provided by commercial operators, 100% of the townland of Kenmare, and 31% of the townland of Kenmare Old, County Kerry, will be covered by commercial operators. The remaining 69% of the townland of Kenmare Old, County Kerry will be part of the State intervention. Members of the public can see whether their individual premise is in the BLUE or AMBER area by inserting their Eircode, and/ or address, or scrolling through the map.
The Intervention Strategy sets out a detailed service specification including a requirement that the State-funded network must be capable of delivering high-quality, high speed broadband of at least 30mbps download and 6mbps upload. It must also be capable of catering for higher performance in the future so as to keep pace with consumer demand. The intention is to build out the network in the AMBER area as quickly as possible.
In terms of the procurement, five responses have been received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadline of 31 March 2016. The five responses are being assessed in line with the criteria set down by the Department with a view to shortlisted qualified bidders proceeding to the next stage of procurement.
The second stage in the procurement process will be a formal invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) to shortlisted bidders. I expect that my Department will move to this stage in the next month. The third stage of the procurement process involves the issue of final tender documentation which follows the dialogue process. Following the submission of final tenders by bidders, a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the Intervention Strategy document. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s). It is expected that a contract will be awarded by June 2017.
Rollout will commence once the contract is in place. Based on the industry consultations, it is expected that 85% of all premises in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband within two years after the rollout commences, with 100% being connected within five years or sooner.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business need and / or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network rollout plan.
I am in discussion at present with Minister Heather Humphreys on the detailed arrangements to give effect to commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government regarding her Department’s role in relation to the rollout phase of the National Broadband Plan. It is envisaged that the role will include leading on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces and working with local authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
1085. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the name of the commercial provider who will begin the roll-out of high-speed broadband for Ashmount, Silversprings and Tivoli in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9369/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority.
It is expected that 70% of all premises in Ireland will receive high speed services from the commercial telecommunications market. The remaining 30% (over 750,000 premises) are the focus of a major State procurement, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ( 'PQQ') and Project Information Memorandum.
The High Speed Broadband Map 2020, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area, which is the subject of procurement. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services and includes the areas of Silversprings and Tivoli, County Cork. The Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that all of the 1.6m premises, where commercial operators have committed to providing services will have access to High Speed Broadband of at least 30mbps.
High speed services that are rolled out in BLUE areas are done so on a commercial basis by telecommunications operators. Due to confidentiality agreements with the operators who supplied coverage data for the NBP mapping exercise, it is not possible to provide individuals with specific operator details in their areas. I can however advise that three operators satisfied our requirements for inclusion on the High Speed Broadband map, those operators being Eir, Virgin Media and Magnet. I would advise individuals to regularly check with operators as to when these services will be available.
The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map, which includes the area of Ashmount, Co. Cork, represent the target areas for the State Intervention. Members of the public can see whether their individual premise is in the BLUE or AMBER area by inserting their Eircode, and/ or address, or scrolling through the map.
In terms of the procurement for the State intervention, five responses have been received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadline of 31 March 2016. The five responses are being assessed in line with the criteria set down by the Department with a view to shortlisted qualified bidders proceeding to the next stage of procurement.
The second stage in the procurement process will be a formal invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) to shortlisted bidders. I expect that my Department will move to this stage in the next month. The third stage of the procurement process involves the issue of final tender documentation, which dialogue process. Following the submission of final tenders by bidders, a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the Intervention Strategy document. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s). It is expected that a contract will be awarded by June 2017.
Rollout will commence once the contract is in place. Based on industry consultations, it is expected that 85% of all premises in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband within 2 years after the rollout commences, with 100% being connected within 5 years or sooner.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and / or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network rollout plan.
I am in discussion at present with Minister Heather Humphreys on the detailed arrangements to give effect to commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government regarding her Department’s role in relation to the rollout phase of the National Broadband Plan. It is envisaged that the role will include leading on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces and working with local authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
1086. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to review the timeline of the roll-out of the national broadband plan and to review the planning and procedural issues in order to speed up the delivery of this vital service to the rural economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9390/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority.
It is expected that 70% of all premises in Ireland will receive high speed services from the commercial telecommunications market. The remaining 30% (over 750,000 premises) are the focus of a major State procurement, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ( 'PQQ') and Project Information Memorandum.
Five responses have been received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadline of 31 March 2016. The five responses are being assessed in line with the criteria set down by the Department with a view to shortlisted qualified bidders proceeding to the next stage of procurement.
The second stage in the procurement process will be a formal invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) to shortlisted bidders. I expect that my Department will move to this stage in the next month. The third stage of the procurement process involves the issue of final tender documentation which follows the dialogue process. Following the submission of final tenders by bidders, a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the Intervention Strategy document. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s). It is expected that a contract will be awarded by June 2017.
Engagement with industry stakeholders as part of the pre-procurement and consultations has indicated that the rollout in the State Intervention area could be achieved within 3-5 years of the contract award. Rollout will commence once the contract is in place. Based on industry consultations, it is expected that 85% of all premises in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband within 2 years after rollout commences, with 100% being connected within 5 years or sooner.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and / or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network rollout plan.
I am in discussion at present with Minister Heather Humphreys on the detailed arrangements to give effect to commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government regarding her Department’s role in relation to the rollout phase of the National Broadband Plan. It is envisaged that the role will include leading on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces and working with local authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
1087. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures he is taking to ensure that fibre broadband is available throughout north County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9639/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority.
It is expected that 70% of all premises in Ireland will receive high speed services from the commercial telecommunications market. The remaining 30% (over 750,000 premises) are the focus of a major State procurement, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ( 'PQQ') and Project Information Memorandum.
Five responses have been received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadline of 31 March 2016. The five responses are being assessed in line with the criteria set down by the Department with a view to shortlisted qualified bidders proceeding to the next stage of procurement.
The second stage in the procurement process will be a formal invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) to shortlisted bidders. I expect that my Department will move to this stage in the next month. The third stage of the procurement process involves the issue of final tender documentation which follows the dialogue process. Following the submission of final tenders by bidders, a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the Intervention Strategy document. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s). It is expected that a contract will be awarded by June 2017.
In preparation for the procurement stage of the process my Department investigated how different technical solutions could be used to deliver high speed broadband. In line with EU State Aid rules, the process must be "technology neutral" and it is not therefore possible to specify what technology should be used to build the network. As part of the procurement process bidders will be asked to propose solutions which meet the NBP service requirements. It is recognised however, that a significant fibre build will be required, regardless of what technology is used to provide services to individual premises. Once the successful bidder or bidders is chosen the technology to be deployed will be made clear.
A High Speed Broadband Map 2020, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows areas marked BLUE which represents the areas commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband and areas marked AMBER which represent the target areas for the proposed State intervention.
The areas marked BLUE, which includes the majority of North County Dublin, represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that all premises, where commercial operators have committed to providing services will have access to High Speed Broadband of at least 30mbps. Members of the public can see whether their individual premises is in the BLUE or AMBER area by inserting their Eircode, and/or address, or scrolling through the map.
The Intervention Strategy sets out a detailed service specification including a requirement that the State-funded network must be capable of delivering high-quality, high speed broadband of at least 30mbps download and 6mbps upload. It must also be capable of catering for higher performance in the future so as to keep pace with consumer demand. The intention is to build out the network in the AMBER area as quickly as possible.
I am in discussion at present with Minister Heather Humphreys on the detailed arrangements to give effect to commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government regarding her Department’s role in relation to the rollout phase of the National Broadband Plan. It is envisaged that the role will include leading on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces and working with local authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
1088. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on recent reports that the Government’s €275 million national broadband plan to connect 1.8 million citizens to a minimum of 30 MBps broadband by 2020 is to be delayed for a year until 2017 and that it could be 2022 by the time all homes here have high-speed broadband; and the status of the projected completion date. [9687/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority.
It is expected that 70% of all premises in Ireland will receive high speed services from the commercial telecommunications market. The remaining 30% (over 750,000 premises) are the focus of a major State procurement, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ( 'PQQ') and Project Information Memorandum.
Five responses have been received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadline of 31 March 2016. The five responses are being assessed in line with the criteria set down by the Department with a view to shortlisted qualified bidders proceeding to the next stage of procurement.
The second stage in the procurement process will be a formal invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) to shortlisted bidders. I expect that my Department will move to this stage in the next month. The third stage of the procurement process involves the issue of final tender documentation which follows the dialogue process. Following the submission of final tenders by bidders, a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the Intervention Strategy document. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s). It is expected that a contract will be awarded by June 2017, which is six months later than anticipated earlier this year, and which reflects the complexity of the procurement process.
Engagement with industry stakeholders as part of the pre-procurement and consultations has indicated that the rollout in the State Intervention area could be achieved within 3-5 years of the contract award. Rollout will commence once the contract is in place. Based on industry consultations, it is expected that 85% of all premises in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband within 2 years after rollout commences, with 100% being connected within 5 years or sooner.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and / or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network rollout plan.
I am in discussion at present with Minister Heather Humphreys on the detailed arrangements to give effect to commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government regarding her Department’s role in relation to the rollout phase of the National Broadband Plan. It is envisaged that the role will include leading on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces and working with local authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
1089. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the body which has ownership of the copper telephone wiring and additional infrastructure that is used to connect residential properties to the fixed line telephone network. [9689/16]
View answerEircom Limited (trading as "eir"), which is a privately owned company, is the owner and operator of the largest electronic communications network capable of connecting residential properties to a fixed line public telephone network in Ireland.
1090. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if high-speed modern broadband will become readily available in all urban and rural areas within the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9761/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of next generation broadband as a matter of priority.
It is expected that 70% of all premises in Ireland will receive high speed services from the commercial telecommunications market. The remaining 30% (over 750,000 premise) are the focus of a major State procurement, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ( 'PQQ') and Project Information Memorandum.
Five responses have been received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadline of 31 March 2016. The five responses are being assessed in line with the criteria set down by the Department with a view to shortlisted qualified bidders proceeding to the next stage of procurement.
The second stage in the procurement process will be a formal invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) to shortlisted bidders. I expect that my Department will move to this stage in the next month. The third stage of the procurement process involves the issue of final tender documentation which follows the dialogue process. Following the submission of final tenders by bidders, a wining bidder will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the Intervention Strategy document. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s).
The Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the optimum rollout strategy, and on the sequencing of the network deployment to maximise efficiencies during network build, having regard to business and consumer needs, and to areas of particularly poor service and areas of strong demand. All of these factors will need to be balanced against the most efficient network rollout and will be agreed during the procurement process.
Engagement with industry stakeholders as part of the pre-procurement and consultations has indicated that the rollout in the State Intervention area could be achieved within 3-5 years of the contract award, which is expected to be in mid 2017.
Rollout will commence once the contract is in place. Based on the industry consultations, it is expected that 85% of all premises in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband within two years of the rollout commencing, with 100% being connected within 5 years or sooner.
I am in discussion at present with Minister Heather Humphreys on the detailed arrangements to give effect to commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government regarding her Department’s role in relation to the rollout phase of the National Broadband Plan. It is envisaged that the role will include leading on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces and working with local authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
1091. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is aware of the free-to-airplay movement for Irish artists and songwriters (details supplied); his views on its objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9467/16]
View answerProgramming obligations are imposed on broadcasters in the Broadcasting Act 2009, which also sets out the objects of the national public service broadcasters. In pursuit of these objects RTÉ and TG4 are charged, inter-alia, with ensuring that programmes reflect the varied elements which make up the culture of the people of Ireland and “have special regard for the elements which distinguish that culture and in particular the Irish language”. RTÉ and TG4 publish detailed commitments on an annual basis setting out how they intend to meet their public service obligations and objects as set out in the Act. The extent to which the commitments entered into by the two public service broadcasters have been met is reviewed annually by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI).
Radio and television services, additional to those provided by the national public service broadcasters are matters for the BAI, which is an independent statutory body. Matters in relation to broadcast content on commercial radio are the subject of contractual negotiations between the BAI and commercial radio operators. In submitting their initial licensing applications to the BAI, such broadcasters put forward commitments in regard to how they will deal with a range of broadcast issues including public service commitments and, where appropriate, more specific commitments, for instance, in regard to the playing of Irish music. If they are successful in their licence applications, these commitments form part of the terms and conditions of the relevant broadcaster's actual licence.
This policy approach deals with the differing requirements of commercial and public service broadcasting. While I fully support the promotion of Irish music in our broadcasting services, the policy approach taken to this issue must be consistent with EU and Irish regulatory structures. It is also important that it takes account of the right of broadcasters to determine the type of programming and content they wish to broadcast, subject, of course, to meeting relevant licensing and legislative obligations.
1092. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the practicality and necessity of replacing the existing copper wiring connecting residential properties to the telephone network with fibre optic cabling as a way of providing high-speed broadband to rural communities. [9688/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority.
It is expected that 70% of all premises in Ireland will receive high speed services from the commercial telecommunications market. The remaining 30% (over 750,000 premises) are the focus of a major State procurement, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ( 'PQQ') and Project Information Memorandum.
Five responses have been received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadline of 31 March 2016. The five responses are being assessed in line with the criteria set down by the Department with a view to shortlisted qualified bidders proceeding to the next stage of procurement.
The second stage in the procurement process will be a formal invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) to shortlisted bidders. I expect that my Department will move to this stage in the next month. The third stage of the procurement process involves the issue of final tender documentation which follows the dialogue process. Following the submission of final tenders by bidders, a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the Intervention Strategy document. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s). It is expected that a contract will be awarded by June 2017.
Rollout will commence once the contract is in place. Based on industry consultations, it is expected that 85% of all premises in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband within 2 years after rollout commences, with 100% being connected within 5 years or sooner.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and / or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network rollout plan.
In preparation for the procurement stage of the process my Department investigated how different technical solutions could be used to deliver high speed broadband. In line with EU State Aid rules, the process must be "technology neutral" and it is not therefore possible to specify what technology should be used to build the network. As part of the procurement process bidders will be asked to propose solutions which meet the NBP service requirements and it is recognised that a significant fibre build will be required, regardless of what technology is used to provide services to individual premises. It is not possible to say at this stage, whether this will involve replacing the existing copper network with fibre-optic cable. Once the successful bidder or bidders the technology to be deployed will be made clear. It is not possible either for me to mandate the replacement of copper with fibre, in commercially owned and operated networks.
I am in discussion at present with Minister Heather Humphreys on the detailed arrangements to give effect to commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government regarding her Department’s role in relation to the rollout phase of the National Broadband Plan. It is envisaged that the role will include leading on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces and working with local authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
1093. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will amend the licensing rules implemented by the Commission for Communications Regulation pertaining to mobile coverage obligations on mobile phone operators to facilitate substantially increasing the obligation on operators to provide coverage for 70% to 90% of the population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9770/16]
View answerThe provision of mobile telephony services is undertaken by telecommunications service providers operating in a fully liberalised market under licences provided by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). It is subject to a requirement to secure access to the required radio spectrum by way of licence. The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of the ComReg under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 as amended. Accordingly I have no function in this matter and cannot direct ComReg to amend existing licence obligations.
Notwithstanding the independent role of ComReg, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the establishment within 100 days of a mobile phone and broadband Taskforce which will consider immediate measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland. I am in discussion with my colleague the Minister for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht in this regard and arrangements are being made to put this in place as a matter of priority.
I am advised in the meantime that licences issued by ComReg apply terms and conditions on Mobile Network Operators, such as quality of service and minimum population coverage obligations. Responsibility for both monitoring compliance and addressing non-compliance with such obligations rests with ComReg. The design of the individual networks is a matter for the operator concerned, although operators tend to exceed their minimum coverage requirements for commercial reasons.
The provision of services to all customers can be affected by several factors given that mobile telephone services are a radio based technology and therefore services can be affected by topography, quality of handsets, the capacity of the network and proximity to mobile telephone antennas.
Any customer, including those in Cavan and Monaghan, who experiences service difficulties should raise the matter with the service provider in the first instance. If this fails to resolve matters, customers can refer a complaint to ComReg, who will investigate the service provider’s compliance with its contractual obligations. My Department understands that mobile operators are in the process of upgrading their networks across Ireland. Further significant investment, particularly in 4G technology, is planned throughout 2016. Upgrades to mobile networks can cause temporary disruptions to coverage, as new equipment is installed and commissioned. The positive outcome of such disruption is, however, a deployment of an improved service.
Local Authorities also have an important role to play in terms of facilitating the siting of necessary infrastructure such as masts and antennae. The Telecoms and Internet Federation, part of IBEC, has been proactive in seeking to meet with Local Authorities and public representatives to fully discuss the various issues around mobile coverage and the factors that can impact on the quality of service consumers’ experience. I would encourage all Local Authorities and public representatives to engage with the Telecoms and Internet Federation on these important issues.
1094. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will facilitate the placing of licensing obligations on mobile phone operators to provide a universal service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9777/16]
View answerThe provision of mobile telephony services is undertaken by telecommunications service providers operating in a fully liberalised market under licences provided by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). It is subject to a requirement to secure access to the required radio spectrum by way of licence. The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of ComReg under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 as amended. Accordingly I have no function in this matter and cannot direct ComReg to amend existing licence obligations.
Notwithstanding the independent role of ComReg, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the establishment within 100 days of a mobile phone and broadband Taskforce which will consider immediate measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland. I am in discussion with my colleague the Minister for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht in this regard and arrangements are being made to put this in place as a matter of priority.
I am advised in the meantime that licences issued by ComReg apply terms and conditions on Mobile Network Operators, such as quality of service and minimum population coverage obligations. Responsibility for both monitoring compliance and addressing non-compliance with such obligations rests with ComReg. The design of the individual networks is a matter for the operator concerned, although operators tend to exceed their minimum coverage requirements for commercial reasons.
The provision of services to all customers can be affected by several factors given that mobile telephone services are a radio based technology and therefore services can be affected by topography, quality of handsets, the capacity of the network and proximity to mobile telephone antennas.
Any customer, including those in Cavan and Monaghan, who experiences service difficulties should raise the matter with the service provider in the first instance. If this fails to resolve matters, customers can refer a complaint to ComReg, who will investigate the service provider’s compliance with its contractual obligations. My Department understands that mobile operators are in the process of upgrading their networks across Ireland. Further significant investment, particularly in 4G technology, is planned throughout 2016. Upgrades to mobile networks can cause temporary disruptions to coverage, as new equipment is installed and commissioned. The positive outcome of such disruption is, however, a deployment of an improved service.
Local Authorities also have an important role to play in terms of facilitating the siting of necessary infrastructure such as masts and antennae. The Telecoms and Internet Federation, part of IBEC, has been proactive in seeking to meet with Local Authorities and public representatives to fully discuss the various issues around mobile coverage and the factors that can impact on the quality of service consumers’ experience. I would encourage all Local Authorities and public representatives to engage with the Telecoms and Internet Federation on these important issues.
1096. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is aware of the serious concerns regarding the proposed closure of the hatchery in Cullion in Mullingar, County Westmeath following a decision by the board of Inland Fisheries Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9957/16]
View answerThe proposal around rationalising the fish farm operations of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is a day to day operational matter for the Board of IFI.
The former Minister of State had written to the Chair of IFI noting that IFI’s intention is that consultation with affected stakeholders will be undertaken prior to any action and that a report of the consultation will be made to the Department.
I am advised by IFI that a date for a comprehensive briefing for the Deputy has been confirmed with him.
1097. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the advantages and risks of hydraulic fracturing and whether this practice is necessary to access natural resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10027/16]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the EPA has commissioned a research programme into the potential impacts of Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction (UGEE) on the environment and human health.
This all-island programme of research, which is being administered by the EPA, comprises five interlinked projects, including an extensive review of UGEE practices and regulations worldwide.
This scientific research programme takes account of the potential implications and mitigations that are required to be considered in order to understand the possible environmental impacts of using this technology, and whether or not it can be undertaken in an environmentally protective manner, in accordance with the requirements of environmental law.
The research programme has been designed to produce the scientific basis, which will assist regulators, both North and South, in making an informed decision about whether it is environmentally safe to allow UGEE.
It is my view that no decisions should be taken with regard to the use of this technology until the EPA led research programme has concluded and there has been time to consider its findings.
1098. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason he has not allocated additional funding to the Environmental Protection Agency in order for it to conduct the second stage of its investigation into fracking here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10030/16]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the multi-agency trans-boundary programme of research on the potential impacts on the environment and human health from Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction (UGEE) projects is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and co-funded by the EPA, my Department and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, with oversight from a broad based Steering Committee that includes my Department.
The Steering Committee took the view at the beginning of 2016 that it was an appropriate time to reflect on the overall timeline for the delivery of the research programme. The original timeline for the research envisaged that the entire programme, including work carried out under a supplementary tender, would conclude by late 2016. While elements of the research were timed to conclude in late 2015, the Steering Committee originally agreed that there would be a single point of reporting in late 2016.
Were the supplementary tender process, envisaged by the original Terms of Reference for this programme of research to be commenced, it is estimated that the overall research programme would not report until 2018 at the earliest.
Given this extended timeframe, and in the interests of making the finalised project information available as early as possible, the UGEE Steering Committee approached the consultancy consortium engaged to undertake the programme of research and agreed a revised scope of work to combine all of the work carried out to date into a meaningful synthesis report, which will be published once concluded. It is anticipated that this report will be published by year end. As it is not now proposed to proceed with a supplementary tender, the question of funding for such work does not arise.
It is my view that it would be appropriate to await the outcome of the synthesis report and take time to reflect on its findings.
1099. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to request eir to outline when it will lay fibre to the Eir cabinet in Firies Close serving Firies Village in County Kerry, given that Firies is served by the Farranfore exchange and given that Farranfore is in planning for fibre broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10100/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority.
It is expected that 70% of all premises in Ireland will receive high speed services from the commercial telecommunications market. The remaining 30% (over 750,000 premises) are the focus of a major State procurement, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ( 'PQQ') and Project Information Memorandum.
The High Speed Broadband Map 2020, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area, which is the subject of procurement. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that all of the 1.6m premises, where commercial operators have committed to providing services will have access to High Speed Broadband of at least 30mbps. It should be noted however that I cannot compel any network service provider to announce their plans for a particular upgrade project, as investment decisions by service providers are taken on commercial grounds.
The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention.
In terms of the procurement for the State intervention, five responses have been received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadline of 31 March 2016. The five responses are being assessed in line with the criteria set down by the Department with a view to shortlisted qualified bidders proceeding to the next stage of procurement.
The second stage in the procurement process will be a formal invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) to shortlisted bidders. I expect that my Department will move to this stage in the next month. The third stage of the procurement process involves the issue of final tender documentation, which follows the dialogue process. Following the submission of final tenders by bidders, a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which comprises one or two lots as set out in the Intervention Strategy document. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s). It is expected that a contract will be awarded by June 2017.
Rollout will commence once the contract is in place. Based on industry consultations, it is expected that 85% of all premises in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband within 2 years after the rollout commences, with 100% being connected within 5 years or sooner.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and / or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network rollout plan.
I am in discussion at present with Minister Heather Humphreys on the detailed arrangements to give effect to commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government regarding her Department’s role in relation to the rollout phase of the National Broadband Plan. It is envisaged that the role will include leading on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces and working with local authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
1100. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the national broadband plan will be operational in Drumfergus, Killygordan, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10126/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority.
It is expected that 70% of all premises in Ireland will receive high speed services from the commercial telecommunications market. The remaining 30% (over 750,000 premises) are the focus of a major State procurement, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ( 'PQQ') and Project Information Memorandum.
The High Speed Broadband Map 2020, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area, which is the subject of procurement. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that all of the 1.6m premises, where commercial operators have committed to providing services will have access to High Speed Broadband of at least 30mbps. The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention.
Based on information provided by commercial operators 95% of the townlands of Killygordon, County Donegal will be covered by commercial operators. The remaining 5% of the townland of Killygordon and 100% of the townland of Drumfergus, County Donegal will be part of the State intervention. Members of the public can see whether their individual premise is in the BLUE or AMBER area by inserting their Eircode, and/ or address, or scrolling through the map.
In terms of the procurement for the State intervention, five responses have been received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadline of 31 March 2016. The five responses are being assessed in line with the criteria set down by the Department with a view to shortlisted qualified bidders proceeding to the next stage of procurement.
The second stage in the procurement process will be a formal invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) to shortlisted bidders. I expect that my Department will move to this stage in the next month. The third stage of the procurement process involves the issue of final tender documentation, which follows the dialogue process. Following the submission of final tenders by bidders, a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the Intervention Strategy document. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s). It is expected that a contract will be awarded by June 2017.
Rollout will commence once the contract is in place. Based on industry consultations, it is expected that 85% of all premises in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband within 2 years after the rollout commences, with 100% being connected within 5 years or sooner.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and / or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network rollout plan.
I am in discussion at present with Minister Heather Humphreys on the detailed arrangements to give effect to commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government regarding her Department’s role in relation to the rollout phase of the National Broadband Plan. It is envisaged that the role will include leading on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces and working with local authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
1101. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department was consulted regarding the decision taken by Inland Fisheries Ireland to cease its fish farming operations in Roscrea, County Tipperary, in Cullion, Mullingar, County Westmeath, Cong, County Mayo and in west County Cork; the Department's response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10243/16]
View answer1107. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason for the closure of an Irish farm (details supplied) by Inland Fisheries Ireland recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10428/16]
View answer1108. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to ensure that existing fish farms operated by Inland Fisheries Ireland remain in public ownership, given their importance to the angling sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10588/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1101, 1107 and 1108 together.
The issue around rationalising the fish farm operations of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is a day to day operational matter for the Board of IFI.
The former Minister of State had written to the Chair of IFI noting IFI’s intention to phase out fish farming operations over the coming years and to undertake consultation with affected stakeholders prior to any action. A report of the consultation will be made to my Department.
In the interests of clarity, I would be happy to organise a detailed briefing for the Deputies by IFI.
