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

To answer those two questions first, there was a strategic decision in the application of fibre that the vast majority would be delivered in this manner. It is only the very last percentage most distant from an accessible pole where fixed wireless may be used. I believe that is the technology of the future and the technology we will need for the highest possible standards, so I do not see technological developments around that.

Unfortunately, the reason these areas are selected and are in the amber region is because there was not existing infrastructure other than the existence of telegraph poles, wooden poles, Eir poles and-or other ESB poles. It uses that existing infrastructure but does not avail of the other fixed wireless or other wireless technologies that may be in those areas. The strategic decision was made to use fibre.

To answer Deputy Ó Cuív's questions, it is my understanding that there has been an increase in the uptake of broadband in those areas which is being provided with the SIRO network, the Eir network or other suppliers. As a result of Covid-19, there has been an increase in the uptake and in the level of demand in terms of remote working and the level of application.

That will strengthen the case and accelerate the roll-out of the national broadband plan because the need for it is ever clearer by the day.

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