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

I will outline the specific actions that will be discussed and agreed with members before we publish our work programme for the task force for 2022 to 2024. The following broad areas are within the scope of discussion: permits, consents and planning permission, mapping and register of assets, geographic mobile coverage, consumer information and innovation, and proof of concept projects.

Working with the broadband officers' role, which was something the original task force outlined, my Department has provided more than €6 million to local authorities to support the continued employment of 31 broadband officers. Since then, they have repeatedly proved the value of their appointments and have been the driving force behind a number of projects and initiatives, including supporting broadband connection points, which have been invaluable in areas where there is poor broadband.

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