Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
355. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has engaged with National Broadband Ireland on any aspect of broadband provision in the past six months; and the outcome of any engagement. [12123/21]
View answerI can confirm that there has been no substantive engagement between my Department and National Broadband Ireland (NBI) with regard to broadband provision in the last six months. I did receive a briefing from NBI and in this context some enquiries were raised regarding road opening licences for cable laying purposes but as the relevant provisions are primarily contained in section 13(10) of the Roads Act, 1993, the query was referred to the Department of Transport.
I further understand that NBI has been engaged with the Local Government Management Agency (representing local authorities) and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication regarding the possible streamlining of certain procedures relating to the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan.
Under section 30 of the Act, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case, including the roll out of communications infrastructure, with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.
