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National Broadband Plan

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021

Tuesday, 18 May 2021

Ceisteanna (199)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

199. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the companies National Broadband Ireland is using to roll-out broadband; the amount of the work that is being outsourced; if National Broadband Ireland is actively seeking companies to roll-out broadband that are based in Ireland to ensure jobs are protected here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25734/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools to ensure all premises in the State has access to reliable high quality broadband. NBI is an Irish registered Dedicated Activity Company (DAC) whose job it is to design, build, operate and maintain the subsidised network. NBI has put together a team with significant Irish experience in large telecoms projects, as well as international industry experience to deliver the Plan.

Since January 2020, NBI has mobilised staff, many subcontractors, infrastructure and material providers that are required to deliver the new high speed broadband network under the NBP.  NBI has advised that it is currently providing direct and indirect employment to over 1,000 people which includes 230 employees and over 800 indirect contractor resources. I am further advised that NBI is working in partnership with over 20 specialists, mostly Irish sub-contractors which are helping to create extensive job opportunities. These include staff employed on design activities through design subcontractors 4site, Actavo and Entegro. Further employment is being provided by build subcontractors including KN Group, Actavo, TLI and Secto, as well as technology partners such as Nokia, who are providing the broadband equipment for the project. Another key partner is Enet who are providing infrastructure and services from the State owned Metropolitan Area Networks and its wider fibre network. Openeir, the wholesale arm of eir, also has a significant number of staff and subcontractors working across the State to ensure their pole and duct network is ready for the NBI fibre build.

At the peak of the roll-out, it is expected that up to 1,800 jobs will be created as a direct result of the National Broadband Plan.

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