Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment which is looking at the national broadband plan met representatives of Eir yesterday. They indicated that the experience Eir had of rolling out broadband to 340,000 rural houses gave it a certain credibility. It believes it could achieve roll-out to the remaining rural houses for less than €1 billion, which is one third of the price projected under the proposed national broadband plan.

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This is, however, the same charge that applies in the rest of the country. It would require slightly different service level arrangements but, again, these would be the same that apply in the rest of the country. Eir is adamant that it can do it. Contrary to what the Taoiseach said yesterday in response to questions on this matter in the Dáil, the company said the provision would include connection right to the house. It includes the last-mile connection - the overhead wire to the home. The committee is due to finish its work shortly. We are due to have a final meeting with the Department. Will the Government respond to the request Eir sent a year and a half ago to meet and to examine that cheaper option? Will the Department inform itself of the advantages, disadvantages, and possibilities in order that we can have an informed discussion as to whether this is a practical alternative at our latest meeting with the Department?

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