Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
3429. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a project in County Kerry has been made aware of the availability of a nearby facility (details supplied); if so, if she will provide details of any such contact; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40397/21]
View answerStarlink is an initiative of the company SpaceX. My officials have engaged with SpaceX, but have had no substantive role in the physical deployment of the company's technology so far, aside from facilitating the company to present at one of the regular Broadband Officer network meetings. As a result of that presentation, Kerry County Council and SpaceX agreed to trial the Starlink technology in the Black Valley, and I and my officials have watched with interest as that project has developed. Given the fact that my Department is not directly involved in the operational deployment of this trial, I am not aware of any involvement of the facility referenced by the Deputy. I have, however, asked my officials to relay the information to Kerry County Council.
As the Deputy may be aware, a second phase of the Airband TVWS pilot project is planned for the Black Valley. Following the success of Phase 1 in an urban environment in Carlow Town, it is hoped that Phase 2 will provide valuable insights into the viability of the Airband solution in rural and isolated areas with little to no telecoms infrastructure.
