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National Broadband Plan

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022

Thursday, 7 April 2022

Questions (134)

Bríd Smith

Question:

134. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the recently reported €17 million that was paid to various consultancy firms in relation to the National Broadband Plan are included in his Department’s estimates of the overall cost of the project to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18825/22]

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Written answers

The cost to the taxpayer for the completion of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) high speed broadband network under a contract with National Broadband Ireland (NBI) is capped at €2.7 billion over 25 years. This figure includes €480 million for contingency costs, which are only allowed under specific circumstances. Since the NBP contract was signed in November 2019, my Department has published a significant level of information on the progress of the plan, including detailed financial information with respect to the cost of the external experts who support my Department in its oversight and governance role of the NBP contract. The cost of these external advisors will be met from within the overall capped budget of €2.7 billion.

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