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Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021

Tuesday, 6 July 2021

Ceisteanna (129)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

129. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the establishment of the mobile phone and broadband taskforce; the members and objectives of the taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36444/21]

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Freagraí scríofa

The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce (the ‘Taskforce’) was established in 2016 to identify immediate solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits, and to investigate how to improve services to consumers prior to full build and rollout of the National Broadband Plan (NBP). It is a cross-Governmental initiative, led by my Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD). The final report of the Taskforce published in December 2016, addressed a wide range of issues impacting on broadband and mobile service provision.

An Implementation Group was established in early 2017 to oversee timely implementation of all of the actions contained in the Taskforce Report, and brought together all key stakeholders including: Department of Transport, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Local Government Management Agency, County and City Management Association, Commission for Communications Regulation (in an independent advisory capacity), Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland, ESB Networks, Office of Public Works, Ibec (Telecommunications Industry Ireland) and ALTO, representing the telecommunications industry.

Since 2016, the Taskforce has addressed over 70 targeted actions, focusing on issues that are negatively impacting upon the rollout of essential telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas. Key achievements of the Taskforce have included:

- Over 1,000 km of ducting installed nationwide, enabling operators to expand their networks along the road network route.

- Broadband Officers in all local authorities engaging with operators and State agencies to remove obstacles to infrastructure deployment and raising local awareness of digital skills schemes.

- The revision of the Guidelines for Managing Openings in Public Roads (the ‘Purple Book’) and support provided by the Road Management Office, resulting in improved management of road works by utilities and local authorities.

- Removal of development contributions and the introduction of planning exemptions for new telecoms technology, enabling infrastructure rollout where previously not considered viable.

- A single centralised process and online resource for road opening licences to facilitate deployment.

- Publication by ComReg of a composite national outdoor coverage map to inform consumers and assist them in choosing the best operator for where they live and work.

- The launch of a series of pilot projects nationwide to tackle blackspots.

- Development of new advertising guidelines to ensure that certain marketing terms used by telecommunications operators convey clear meanings that are not misleading to consumers.

One of the most positive aspects to emerge from the work of the Taskforce is the extent to which practical cooperation between State agencies and Industry has developed. This has been fundamental to achieving tangible results which have delivered ‘on the ground’ improvements in services for citizens and business. The value captured through these collaborative relationships and structures will be carried forward and further strengthened under the future Work Programme of the Taskforce which my Department is finalising in consultation with the Department of Rural and Community Development.

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