National Broadband Plan Implementation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2018

Tuesday, 18 December 2018

Ceisteanna (517)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

517. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the evaluation stage of the NBP; if he has received an interim report and or brief in respect of the evaluation process; the timeline and stages of the evaluation process from the date on which the NBP bidding stage closed to the approximate date of awarding a contract to roll out the NBP; the contingency in place should no contract be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53097/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The procurement process to appoint a bidder for the NBP State intervention network is now at the final stage. My Department’s assessment of the final tender submission received from the bidder on 18 September 2018 is reaching a conclusion.

While I have received briefings from officials in my Department in relation to the NBP procurement process, I have yet to receive an interim or final report with a recommendation.

My priority is to bring the procurement process to a fair and impartial conclusion as quickly as possible. When the process is concluded I will bring a recommendation to Government in the coming weeks.