Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2019
400. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the funding planned to be spent each year for the next 25 years for the national broadband plan by capital and current expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20626/19]
View answer407. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the capital cost of the national broadband plan for each year of the 25 years of operation; the funds allocated for the plan to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20676/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 400 and 407 together.
Overall Exchequer funding requirement for the NBP is capped at €2.1 billion over 25 years, excluding VAT and contingency funding.
Funding for the NBP for 2019 is set out in the Revised Estimates Volume. I will be engaging with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on revised multi-annual budgetary ceilings for my Department to address the funds required in the early years of the NBP as part of the estimate process.
The NBP is expected to benefit from ERDF funding of €75m and this is likely to be drawn down in 2020 and 2021.
The government will provide additional capital from future revenues. No projects will be delayed or no changes will be made to the National Development Plan as a consequence of this decision.
