Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response and I am glad this mapping project is taking place. However, the Minister did not answer my question. We have five State-owned broadband networks and most of that fibre is unlit. Given that there are five separate holding companies, we cannot utilise those assets to the extent they should be used or have those wholesaled to commercial operators to provide competition. Some of that unlit fibre is going to some regions that do not currently have decent broadband capacity. We urgently need one State holding company to ensure that asset is used to the maximum degree. That should have happened 15 years ago. At this stage, we are splitting up the energy assets of Bord Gáis. The retail aspect will be sold off, while the network aspect will be hived off into Gaslink and will remain in State ownership. Gaslink will retain the existing fibre network. I am seeking a facilitating provision in the next piece of legislation for a single telecoms holding company to promote the development of that broadband fibre and to ensure that it is lit up.

As Gaslink rolls out its network, provision will hopefully be made to lay ducting for fibre.

Sadly, EirGrid is making no provision for this. Even though the ESB, the original holding company, rolled out fibre across its transmission network EirGrid will make no provision in this regard. This means there will be a new transmission line going through the Chairman's county but no provision will be made for broadband. This is one of the few towns of its size in the west of Ireland that does not have any fibre capacity.