Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 February 2018
202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which he expects to be in a position to assist urban or rural communities directly by way of grant aid or indirectly through the improvement of telecommunications, with particular reference to the identification of particular blackspots in respect of broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8973/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government policy initiative which aims to deliver high speed broadband to every citizen and business in Ireland. Policy responsibility for the NBP is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
However, my Department is working closely with the Minister’s Department and with other key Departments and stakeholders to identify solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage problems around the country and to investigate how better services could be provided to consumers before the State broadband intervention commences under the NDP. This work builds on the recommendations of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce which published its report in December 2016. The Minister of State at my Department, Sean Kyne T.D., co-chairs with Minister Denis Naughten an Implementation Group to oversee the deliver of the Taskforce’s recommendations.
Earlier today, Minister's Naughten and Kyne published the 2017 Annual Review on the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce report.
The Annual Review outlines progress made in 2017 on actions aimed at accelerating the delivery of telecommunications infrastructure. Of the 40 actions identified by the Taskforce, 29 actions have been completed. Work remaining to be completed on 11 actions which will carry into the 2018 work programme. A further 23 new measures have been identified for delivery in 2018. The report can be accessed through the following link:
http://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Implementation-Review-2017-PDF-with-cover.pdf.
As part of the delivery of the Taskforce’s recommendations, my Department has co-funded the assignment of Broadband Officers in each of the 31 Local Authorities to act as the single point of contact for engagement with telecoms operators to assist with the rollout of broadband and mobile phone services. In addition, my Department is supporting Local Authorities with the development of local Digital Strategies and has appointed Indecon consultants to assist with this initiative.
A further initiative being supported by my Department is in relation to mobile phone blackspots. The aim of this pilot initiative is to identify problem areas in conjunction with Local Authorities and service providers, and utilise any infrastructure that could potentially be used to improve mobile coverage in these blackspot areas.
