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National Broadband Plan

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 May 2019

Thursday, 30 May 2019

Questions (130)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

130. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the national broadband plan contract; if it exists in a draft form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23089/19]

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Written answers

The National Broadband Plan (NBP) agreement sets out the contractual framework for delivery of the project. The Agreement is a very detailed contract tailored specifically for the unique requirements of the NBP, running to over 1,500 pages.

The Agreement has been subject to detailed and extensive dialogue with bidders over the past 3 years, resulting in a number of revised versions being issued, including a last draft before Final Tender.

The recent Government decision to appoint a Preferred Bidder means work is progressing to close the contract, including the finalisation of financial and legal documents. A period of final due diligence on all elements of the contract is part of the normal conclusion of a procurement process.

NBI will be supported by a number of experienced subcontractors and is currently tasked with finalising negotiations on contracts with approximately 40 subcontractors to assist in the delivery of the NBP. In order to support deployment it is anticipated that a subset of approximately 15 to 20 of these subcontracts will be required prior to contract close.

It is anticipated these elements will require a number of months, with contract close expected later this year and deployment commencing shortly after that.

Question No. 131 answered with Question No. 126.
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