National Broadband Plan

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022

Thursday, 7 April 2022

Questions (118)

Brendan Smith

Question:

118. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the State investment to date in the National Broadband Plan; the projected final cost of this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18762/22]

Written answers

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

The National Broadband Plan (NBP) contract signed in 2019 provides that a future proofed high speed broadband network will be deployed by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) to people living and working in the intervention area. It is expected that over 600,000 premises will be served by the fibre network, including new builds. The cost to the State will be a maximum of €2.7 billion over 25 years. This includes €480m for contingency costs, which are only allowed in 14 specific circumstances.

€205.84 million has been paid to NBI to date under the NBP Contract.