Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I understand that one has to factor in future demands and expansions when building a new network, but I am not getting an answer to my question on the black spots that are serviced at both ends by Eir's fibre optic. There is no need to conduct a survey because there will be no further expansion. These are settled communities and we have planning laws that do not allow for expansion in their areas. There is a missing piece in the middle. What can be done to give connectivity to these people? Homeowners, people who are working from home, farmers and business people are caught in this no man's land. It is frustrating for them. In fact, people are angry about it. From what Mr. Hendrick has told me, nothing can be done about this until NBI goes through the same process that Eir went through, that being, to survey, design and then table a plan. Why can that not be prioritised? Why can the existing network not be used and an agreement reached with the provider to supply the connections? Can that be done?