Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
2629. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the discussions he has had with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment with regard to broadband provision in rural areas of counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33601/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development, Natural Resources and Digital Development, I work across both the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
I also chair the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce which was established in 2016 to identify and overcome obstacles to mobile phone and broadband services. The Taskforce is a cross-Government initiative comprising senior officials from a number of Departments and State bodies. Progress Reports on the work of the Taskforce are published on the Gov.ie portal.
I am keenly aware of the importance of access to high-speed, high-quality broadband services in rural areas and I engage regularly with my Ministerial colleagues in both Departments in finding ways to remove barriers to the roll out of telecommunications infrastructure.
The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has overall policy responsibility for the National Broadband Plan. However, the Department of Rural and Community Development works closely with that Department and with Local Authorities to help prepare rural communities for the roll out of high-speed broadband.
Under the National Broadband Plan, approximately 17,000 premises in Cavan and approximately 16,000 premises in Monaghan will be provided with high-speed broadband. In addition, a number of sites have been identified in each of these counties to serve as Broadband Connection Points (BCP). These sites will be connected within twelve months of the NBP contract being signed and will provide free high-speed broadband to rural communities at approximately 300 designated locations nationwide.
The Department of Rural and Community Development also supports preparations for the roll out of the National Broadband Plan through the network of Broadband Officers located in each Local Authority. The Broadband Officers are co-funded by the Department and provide a vital point of contact for industry and the public regarding telecoms issues.
The Broadband Officers are also leading on the development of Digital Strategies for each Local Authority. These Digital Strategies will enable communities to make full use of digital technology in their daily lives, and will be particularly beneficial when the Broadband Plan is rolled out.
