Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2017
732. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if an assessment has been made on Project Kelvin's success here; the number of businesses in County Monaghan availing of this direct fibre optic connection to the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9789/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Kelvin network, which has been fully operational since 2011, provides direct international telecoms connectivity between the North West of Ireland and North America (New York) and Europe (Amsterdam). It is linked by a terrestrial fibre network to bring the Kelvin connectivity to 13 urban centres North and South, including Letterkenny, Monaghan, Castleblayney, Dundalk, Drogheda and Dublin. An independent evaluation finalised in 2016 indicated that the network has:
- increased competition in the telecommunications market in the North-South Interreg region of Ireland and reduced costs for international telecoms connectivity
- provided a modern, high speed (reduced latency) international connectivity infrastructure between the North West of Ireland and North America and Europe
- improved the resilience of telecoms networks in the Interreg region and in Ireland
- removed a disadvantage of the Interreg region and provided a basis for attracting investment
- benefitted businesses and citizens in the Interreg, border and North West regions of Ireland.
My officials understand that some 35 customers, comprising telecommunications operators, large corporates, local government bodies and global technology companies avail of connectivity on the Kelvin network to provide telecoms and broadband services to end users, including businesses, or to meet their own connectivity needs. Of these, it is understood that two telecommunications operators utilise the Kelvin network in County Monaghan. My Department does not hold information relating to the detail of the services procured on the Kelvin network which is a matter for the individual customers involved.
