Communications Committee highlights rural broadband and mobile coverage concerns

8 October 2014

While acknowledging the National Broadband Plan in place to deliver high quality broadband to all premises in Ireland is in train, the Committee expressed grave concern at the lack of connectivity currently available in many rural areas.

Representatives from the Communications Regulator (ComReg) and Officials at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources were appearing before the Committee to outline broadband delivery and mobile coverage in rural areas. The engagement forms part of a series on the issue, with the mobile and broadband companies expected before the Committee in the coming weeks.

ComReg representatives outlined their work as the statutory body responsible for the regulation of the electronic communications sector, while the Department Officials updated the Committee on progress in the implementation of National Broadband Plan.   

Chairman of the Committee John O’Mahony TD says: “This morning's meeting saw frank and candid exchanges with Committee Members and ComReg and Department representatives on an issue of huge importance to rural Ireland. Members, in particular, those representing rural constituencies, are acutely aware of many communities being left behind by the lack of high quality broadband. We were encouraged to hear that the approach to delivering high quality broadband will be similar to that of the rural electrification  scheme of the 1950s - no household should be left behind in what is an essential requirement for 21st century life.

\"The Committee heard that a thorough mapping process of broadband blackspots by the Department is continuing and the Plan was expected to clear various hurdles in relation to State Aid regulations at EU level through 2015. The Committee however highlighted the current difficulties being experienced by rural businesses, schools and households and remains concerned that the time lag between now and full implementation of the Plan will hinder rural development. A number of Members also raised anecdotal concerns around mobile coverage disimproving in recent years. We take on board the work underway to ensure greater coverage, particularly throughout Ireland's relatively new motorway network where blackspots have yet to be filled.\"

Media enquiries to:
Paul Hand,
Communications Unit,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926

Committee on Transport and Communications
Deputies: John O’Mahony (Chair), Michael Colreavy, Timmy Dooley, Dessie Ellis, Tom Fleming, Brendan Griffin, Noel Harrington, Seán Kenny, Éamonn Maloney, Helen McEntee, Michael Moynihan, Patrick O’Donovan and Mick Wallace
Senators: Sean D. Barrett, Terry Brennan, Éamonn Coghlan, Paschal Mooney, Ned O’Sullivan and John Whelan