Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
104. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the roll out of the national broadband plan specifically in relation to counties Cavan and Monaghan; if he will outline what percentage of both counties have received connections under the scheme; how much is left to do, and the timeframe for same. [21190/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra119. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the rollout of high-speed broadband in Cavan and Monaghan. [21323/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 119 together.
Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy, published by my Department, sets ambitious targets, which include providing a Gigabit network to all households and businesses in Ireland by 2028 and access to 5G in all populated areas by 2030.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
National Broadband Ireland (NBI) are connecting circa 4,000 homes each month. NBI expect to have passed in excess of 300,000 premises by the end of 2024 with circa 120,000 premises passed each year thereafter until the end of deployment at which point over 560,000 will be passed.
I am advised by NBI that over 243,000 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. Over 80,200 premises are already connected to the National Broadband Plan’s high-speed broadband network.
In county Cavan over 6,800 premises are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection which represents 41% of the premises within the Intervention area. At the end of April 2024, 2,324 premises are now connected in Cavan which represents a take up rate of 34%.
In county Monaghan over 9,900 premises are passed and available for immediate connection which represents 63% of the premises within the Intervention area. At the end of April 2024, 3,679 premises are now connected in Monaghan which represents a take up rate of 37%.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cavan and County Monaghan and can be monitored via nbi.ie/reps.
Along with the NBP intervention contract, progress is being made by commercial operators’ in expanding their next generation networks throughout the State and ensuring the targets set out in the Digital Connectivity strategy are achieved.
