Denis Naughten
Question:6. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the date of the last meeting of the Mobile Phone and Broadband taskforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27830/21]
View answerTuesday, 25 May 2021
Questions (6)
Written answers
The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce was launched in July 2016 with the objective of improving access to high-quality mobile phone coverage and broadband services in rural Ireland.
Since its inception, the Taskforce has addressed more than 70 targeted actions, worked on removing structural barriers to telecommunications deployment and addressed mobile coverage deficits, particularly in rural areas.
The completion of the Taskforce’s 2019 Work Programme marked the end of the Taskforce as originally constituted.
Since the last meeting of the Taskforce, which took place on 20th November 2019, attention has now turned towards the future orientation of the Taskforce in line with the Programme for Government commitment to continue to support the work of the group.
Officials in my Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications have prepared a report on the Taskforce’s achievements and are currently evaluating what issues should be addressed by the Taskforce in the future.
Significant progress has been made by the Taskforce, although I am aware that there remains a range of strategic issues that will require multiple Government Department and agencies working together in order to solve.
I will continue to work with my colleague the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications to agree a new direction for the Taskforce, which will build on the success and positive engagement that has taken place across central government, local government, statutory agencies and industry.
Question No. 7 answered orally.