Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
201. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the full-year target of schools connected or installed with high-speed broadband under the National Broadband Plan in 2022; the number of schools in which broadband infrastructure has been installed as of May 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28913/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBroadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the National Broadband Plan providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. My Department has prioritised primary schools with no high speed broadband and continues to work with the Department of Education in this regard. Government and NBI have agreed to accelerate the rollout of high-speed broadband to 679 schools across the State. This will ensure that by early next year all schools across the State will have the necessary infrastructure to carry out their critical day to day educational activities unimpeded by poor broadband. As of 27 May 2022, 323 schools have been installed by NBI and my Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
