Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
1295. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will approve the installation of a broadband connection point or an alternative interim solution to provide connectivity as a matter of urgency due to there being no communications of any kind available at a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17483/21]
View answerBroadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a joint initiative of my Department and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. Among the first deliverables under the National Broadband Plan, BCPs will allow on-site public access to high-speed broadband in areas currently without adequate provision.
These publicly accessible buildings are typically community centres, sports clubs and libraries in rural and isolated parts of the State, including on many of our islands. There will be approximately 300 BCPs connected over the lifetime of the project. The locations of planned and live BCPs can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-map/.
BCPs are identified by Local Authority Broadband Officers who submit applications to my Department for inclusion in the programme. After my officials have completed a suitability and public benefit assessment, applications are passed to officials at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications for viability and cost assessments.
There is currently a small amount of capacity in the programme for additional sites and I would encourage anyone who has identified a site which may be suitable to contact their local Broadband Officer who can offer advice and assistance. The Broadband Officer, may, if appropriate, submit an application to my Department.
Contact details for Local Authority Broadband Officers can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/215136-mobile-phone-and-broadband-taskforce/.
