Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I do not have an objection to the fundamental principle that we bring high-quality broadband to every house. I agree with that. We have heard that the reason we are doing fibre is not that it is for the long-term but that it is a sprawled model. The sprawled model is also the reason for some of the costs. An extra 60,000 properties is a lot of additional sprawl because they are outside the 340,000 area and amount to more of the same. I have a fundamental problem with Project Ireland 2040. I believe it is a continuation of a sprawled development model, so that is the difference between us. It is also fundamentally opposed to our climate ambitions.

To move on to the technicalities, the issue of a connection charge of €100 versus €170 is interesting. I agree with Deputy Dooley that it would be complicated by adding further future switching, so it is better to compare the €100 and €170 straight up. That is an example where it is an advantage to be further out and more rural in comparison with the 340,000 area.

The other issue I wanted to ask about are the service level standards. I cannot remember the exact figures but Eir said the rate of next-day repairs within the 340,000 area was 85%, whereas it is 95% in the national broadband plan, NBP, area.