Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We have had much media attention and there is much optimism out there in the public that this can be delivered. They may read negativity coming through in the structure of the company. I accept today the explanation given that nothing has changed in the structure and the ultimate ownership of the consortium. It is also very important the message gets out today that the company has confirmed funding to deliver and complete the project, and that is not in doubt. Shareholder funds will be available as requested. That is important because, as I said, the public has an expectation that this broadband project - the biggest in the history of the State - will be delivered.

In this context it is usually important there is confidence. Before Covid-19, people were expecting broadband but now it is an absolute necessity. In particular, we can see the Government's efforts in respect of encouraging people to work from home and the supports being put in place in this regard. There is a significant culture change. Broadband was never more important than it is now in the context of people living in rural Ireland in particular.

I am in business and I know how difficult Covid-19 has been in trying to get a workforce available and fully functional. There are also procurement problems because other supply companies also have problems. With respect to procurement, everybody in business knows costs have risen steeply and procurement is a problem because manufacturing bases do not have the output they previously had. It is heartening to hear that the company has its procurement in place for 2023. Everybody out there has a problem with procurement and supplies. That is encouraging.

There is clearly a blockage in a number of systems and this partly explains the delays experienced by the company. What level of co-operation is the company getting from the local authorities in terms of planning and licences for poles etc.? Is this a complex matter and is it delaying the work? Is there anything the committee can do to encourage local authorities to be more supportive or speed up the process?

There is a area that all of us have been asking about for years, and these are the black spots or locations that must be joined between where Eir finished and NBI has taken over? It is incensing people in rural areas that there can be broadband within 50 yd. of a premises but a refusal to connect that premises. NBI refers to these as amber areas. What progress has been made in this regard and what timescale is involved in delivering service to those areas?

I am glad the witnesses are here and I thank them for their presentation and update. It is important. The company is quite good at responding to matters as they arise and answering queries we have on behalf of the public. I compliment the witnesses on that.