Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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It is vital that the information, as best as NBI has it, is constantly updated on the website in order that people can see how long they are going to be waiting for the roll-out of broadband. There is a requirement on Government to ensure that people are offered alternatives in the short term and that it assesses and ensures what the best is for those people because we all know the realities that exist in some areas and the absolute necessity of broadband connectivity.

I welcome the work that has been done on capacity regarding contractors and what have you but if we are talking into the future about this acceleration, NBI will need to ensure that it is already dealing with contractors on whether they have the capacity. I assume it is also dealing with Eir and ESB Networks in the context of ensuring that they have the capacity to be part of that acceleration. We are talking about improvements in dealing with local authorities with the section 254 guidelines, but is there a need for a greater level of capacity within the authorities? Mr. Malone spoke about Meath County Council and certain difficulties. What can we, as a committee, do to improve that work? I am aware that there were also difficulties in dealing with CIÉ and others on crossing their lands and so on. Where does that matter stand? Has the engagement improved and are we close to a solution?