Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
191. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of public funds that have been used on the National Broadband Plan; if that is in keeping with what was originally meant to be spent at this stage of the rollout.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5983/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe maximum possible cost to the taxpayer, for the completion of the NBP high speed broadband network under a contract with National Broadband Ireland (NBI), is capped at €2.7 billion over 25 years. This figure includes €480 million for contingency costs, which are only allowed under specific circumstances.The Contract requires NBI to deliver to specific key delivery milestones before subsidy claims can be submitted. NBI is only entitled to draw down subsidy payments once these milestones are fully achieved and independently verified.Progress on the rollout of the NBP high speed broadband network has been slower than expected. This is largely due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic but there have also been complexities as a result of utilising existing networks. Any delays by NBI in meeting target milestones results in the subsidy payments being withheld by the Department until the target milestones are met. Since progress is slower than expected, the level of payments to NBI is correspondingly lower than originally planned. My Department closely monitors progress towards these milestones through a comprehensive governance framework. The cost of subsidy payments made to NBI since 2020 is €177.46 million.
