Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have provided funding to all local authorities to co-finance an officer with responsibility for broadband in each local authority area. Twenty-nine of the 31 local authorities have appointed broadband officers. We understand that the remaining two are South Dublin County Council and Wicklow County Council, and they are in the process of appointing officers. The broadband officers work closely with the Department on an ongoing basis to identify and address barriers to the national broadband plan roll-out. Progress reports on the implementation of actions in the task force report will be published on a quarterly basis, and the first quarterly report is due to be submitted to the Cabinet committee on regional and rural affairs on 9 May.

We all realise how critical broadband is to rural communities. The Minister, Deputy Naughten, has responsibility for the procurement process. It is complex. I want to ensure that when the contract is signed, there will be no barriers at local level which would delay the roll-out. Sometimes, as the Deputy said, in local authorities there are different sections which could be working in isolation. I want them to work together. I also want the broadband officers to work together. There are two regional groups. The broadband officers meet regularly and this is facilitated by the Department. It is an opportunity for them to discuss various issues and do so in a way that has uniformity.

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