Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 20 October 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection

National Broadband Plan: Discussion

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senators Gavan and Garvey. Before we commence, I remind members participating remotely that they must do so from within the precincts of Leinster House.

We are convened to discuss the issue of the roll-out of the national broadband plan, NBP, with particular focus on rural Ireland. The pandemic and the move to remote working and education has only heightened the awareness of the need for high-speed broadband in every home in Ireland, regardless of its location. This vital plan for rural Ireland is now months behind schedule and the evidence that has come into the public domain over the past number of weeks does not instil confidence that the project has overcome the challenges behind these delays. We are told that, on average, 5,000 homes a month have been passed by the end of this year, the first full year of the network build. That is far short of the original target of 9,500 homes in year one and the evidence we will hear today is that this is primarily a result of the pandemic. However, the projections in the Government estimate for 2022 show that just 5,800 homes will be connected in an average month, down from the original target of 7,500 homes. I find it hard to believe that after the country has come out of the Covid pandemic, which has been blamed for this year's delays, only an additional 800 homes can be reached every month next year. It does not add up. These delays mean that 75,000 homes that should have access to high-speed broadband at the end of next year under the original targets will not have such access unless there is a practical catch-up plan.

The committee wants to hear a good news story today. We want to hear about the solutions for catching up on these delays. It is imperative that the pandemic is not used as an excuse for delays in the roll-out that just wallpaper over fundamental problems that need to be addressed because this infrastructure is needed now more than ever.

I welcome Dr. Stjohn O'Connor, principal officer and Mr. Jake Ryan, assistant principal officer, Department of Rural and Community Development; and Mr. Ciarán Ó hÓbáin, assistant secretary, communications division; Mr. Patrick Neary, chief technical officer, communications division; and Mr. Fergal Mulligan, NBP programme director, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If the witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with all such directions.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call Mr. Ó hÓbáin to make an opening statement.

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