Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018
811. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the extension of the concession agreement for the metropolitan area networks was discussed by his predecessor with representatives of a company (details supplied) in the context of discussions surrounding the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44698/18]
View answerA detailed review of the MAN’s was undertaken in 2016 to consider whether to extend the existing agreements or retender for a new concessionaire at the end of the term of the Concession Agreements. Subsequently, an external review by Norcontel proposed that the preferred option, based on the analysis, was to extend the current concession agreements. In 2017, in compliance with EU and national procurement regulations and informed by legal advice and the advice of Norcontel, both Concession Agreements were extended to 2030 in line with the provisions of the Concession Agreements. The Concession Agreements each provided for an option to extend the term of the agreements for up to a maximum period of 10 years. The extension provides certainty to service providers in the market, and ensures that the MANs fibre networks will continue to play a key role in the delivery of telecommunications services in the regions during a dynamic period in the wider market.
I am informed that my Department has no record of discussions between former Minister Naughten and representatives of the company referred to by the Deputy in relation to the extension of the concession agreement for the Metropolitan Area Networks in the context of discussions surrounding the National Broadband Plan.
