Robert Troy
Ceist:533. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the progress of broadband in Longwood, County Meath. [43744/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 November 2014
Ceisteanna (533)
Freagraí scríofa
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses in Ireland, through a combination of commercial investment and a State-led intervention. The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5bn in network upgrades and approximately 1.6m of the 2.3m addresses in Ireland are expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next number of years. In the last month alone, two companies have announced projects to deliver direct fibre connectivity to approximately 500,000 homes and businesses in every county in Ireland including Navan. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available.
In addition, I understand that at least one operator has published a programme to roll out fibre based broadband networks in 36 locations in County Meath by July 2016 including Longwood.
Under EU State Aid Guidelines Member States cannot intervene where commercial investors have plans to roll out services. My Department is currently finalising a national mapping exercise which will identify those areas that require a State intervention.
I expect to publish the map for public consultation next week. Those accessing this map will be able to identify their own house or premises and see whether it is in the proposed intervention area. Where a house or premises is not in the proposed intervention area it means it either currently, or will in the near future, have access to commercial high speed broadband services. The map will be subject to change as new information becomes available or commercial investments are announced in the future.
A further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy will be launched in mid-2015. My Department is also working closely with the European Commission with a view to obtaining State Aid clearance for the programme.
A detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder or bidders towards the end of 2015.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.