Telecommunications Infrastructure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021

Tuesday, 6 July 2021

Questions (130)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

130. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he consulted or will consider consulting the OPW to compile a register of State sites and assets that may be suitable for telecommunications infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36445/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

At present there is no register of State sites and assets specifically identified as being suitable for the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure. However, I am aware that the Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for maintenance and development of the Intra-State Property register which lists leased or owned State and public properties as part of implementation of the State’s strategic management property portfolio.

In September 2020 the European Commission published a Recommendation on boosting investment in very high-capacity broadband connectivity infrastructure, including 5G, calling on Member States to identify and share best practices for a common Union toolbox of measures to reduce the cost of deploying VHCN as well as ensuring timely and investment-friendly access to 5G radio spectrum. This work has resulted in agreement on an EU level list of best practices published on 30 March 2021. One such best practice specifically relates to improving access to and increasing the availability of information in respect of physical infrastructure owned or controlled by public bodies suitable to hosting network elements.

As part of the ongoing work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce, my Department in co-operation with the Department for Rural and Community Development, will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders and function owners, including the OPW, to explore in the Irish context how best to optimise the availability of such information, as referred to in the EU Connectivity Toolbox, to facilitate deployment of telecommunications infrastructure, including the possibility of using relevant information captured in the OPW register.