Broadband Service Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019

Wednesday, 8 May 2019

Questions (1258)

Robert Troy

Question:

1258. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the reason provided by a company (details supplied) for not including certain properties in phase 1 of the fibre broadband roll-out is that the contract signed with his Department does not allow the inclusion of additional properties; and the position regarding the inclusion of additional properties in view of the fact that, in previous replies to Parliamentary Questions, he has stated that the inclusion of additional properties was a commercial decision for the company. [19601/19]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Decisions made by private telecommunication operators, eir included, relating to the roll-out and siting of infrastructure to provide high speed broadband services throughout Ireland are undertaken on a commercial basis. I have no statutory role or function in such commercial decisions of private operators, and therefore cannot direct operators regarding infrastructure installation or delivery of services.

Any questions related to such choices are a matter for telecommunication operators themselves.