Telecommunications Infrastructure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023

Tuesday, 27 June 2023

Questions (339)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

339. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a charge is levied by Ireland on undersea telecommunications operators for the use of the Irish marine EEZ as a pass-through location for undersea telecommunications cables that do not land in Ireland or connect Ireland to other states and-or to networks outside this jurisdiction; if so, to outline the annual charge levied on operators for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30516/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Darragh O'Brien)

Currently, no charge is levied on undersea telecommunications operators in respect of subsea cables located in Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).  The Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 provides for the establishment of a new Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) which I recently announced will be formally established on 17 July 2023.  MARA will be the regulatory authority for Ireland’s maritime area which extends to the outer limit of the continental shelf and includes the EEZ.

The 2021 Act has not yet been fully commenced and I have made no regulations in relation to fees to be charged by MARA.  My Department is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications to ensure that MARA is accorded the appropriate powers to regulate and protect our maritime area, including with respect to subsea cables, while ensuring compliance with relevant EU and international law.