Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2048. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is satisfied with the pace of the completion of the tender for the national broadband plan; and when on the ground work will begin. [33300/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. Today, 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. By 2020, 9 out of 10 premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.
My Department is in the final stages of a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area.
This process is being progressed within procurement guidelines and to a best practice standard. It will be concluded as efficiently and expeditiously as possible and a decision published at the earliest opportunity.
