Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 September 2022
119. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if assistance will be offered in relation to an internet issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45064/22]
View answerThe premises referred to in the Question is located in the BLUE area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. Under State aid rules, my Department is not permitted to displace commercial investment by intervening in areas where commercial investment exists or is planned, as to do so would be an infringement of these State aid rules. The activities of commercial operators delivering high speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
A representative of the nursing home referred to in this question has been engaging with my Department's NBP Customer Service team on this issue and the matter is currently under examination. The NBP Customer Service Team will continue to correspond directly with the nursing home representative in the interim.
