Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

89. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether a high speed broadband service is vital for rural communities; the role of his Department in supporting the roll-out of broadband services for our off-shore islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31880/15]

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My question concerns high speed broadband and how vital it is for rural communities. I also want to ask the Minister of State about the role of his Department in supporting the roll-out of broadband services for the offshore islands.

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. The national broadband plan draft intervention strategy which was published on 15 July 2015 sets out a series of detailed proposals by Government in respect of the proposed State intervention. It sets out the key elements of the intervention, what services are proposed and how they will be delivered. It outlines various aspects of the proposed intervention, including the type of network envisaged, the minimum speeds envisaged, the length of the contract for services and whether the network should be public or privately owned.

The draft intervention strategy has been developed following intensive engagement with industry and wider stakeholders. In addition, the European Commission has set out detailed guidelines on what is required to obtain state aid approval for Government interventions in the broadband sector. The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has followed these guidelines when formulating the proposed intervention strategy. Through ongoing commercial investment, most of our cities and towns will benefit from high speed broadband over the coming years. The areas that are not covered by commercial investment are the target for State-funded investment.

Last November, the Minister published a national high speed coverage map for 2016, which is available at The map shows Ireland with two colours, blue and amber, and was developed based on the most up-to-date information available at the time of publication. The areas marked blue represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services by the end of 2016. The areas marked amber represent those areas where the State intends to intervene to ensure those areas will have access to high speed broadband services and this includes all the offshore islands.

The Department is currently in the process of updating the map, taking into consideration any new information received or operator announcements made of any new plans. It is expected that an updated version of the map will be published before the end of this year. The national broadband plan's ambition is to achieve 100% access to high speed broadband by the end of 2020, with 85% of all premises covered by 2018. I assure the Deputy that communities in offshore islands will be served either through commercial investment or State intervention.

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We can all agree that a high speed broadband service is vital in the battle against rural decline, especially when we take into account the number of closures that have happened, such as Garda stations, post offices, banks and other services. It is also important in preventing further depopulation of the islands. Broadband could provide employment, online education and online help for start-up businesses, as well as combatting isolation. Islanders do not have the access to night classes, entertainment, etc., that we have on the mainland.

I have visited practically all the islands and I have a long association with one in particular. Its mobile phone service is also on the decline and the broadband service causes problems. The national broadband plan states that "[It] aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland" and the Minister of State mentioned the intervention strategy. The strategy for the islands is very much on the long finger and the Minister of State needs to re-examine the issue. I ask for direct engagement with islanders because they are the ones who know exactly what is needed to serve their communities.

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I do not disagree with any of the Deputy's points on ensuring that we provide mobile phone or broadband coverage on the islands. This debate is important because the national broadband plan will go to public procurement by the end of this year. As part of that intervention, it will target the 30% of Ireland, including the islands, that is not commercially viable. The winning bidder or bidders in the procurement process will be in a position to provide that service. No decision has been made on where we start or which areas should get broadband first. It is important to have that debate and this is an opportunity to highlight the potential of the islands.

As the Deputy knows, the islands are an integral part of the Wild Atlantic Way along the west coast. Given that hundreds of thousands of people intend to visit the area and will need broadband services when they are on holiday, we should include it in the debate. It is an important area which needs priority broadband intervention.

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I will take up the Wild Atlantic Way with the Minister of State another time because some of the islands feel highly aggrieved that they were very much sidestepped. That is another debate. We have to accept that islands and islanders are different. My experience is that islanders are dedicated to their community and want to stay on the islands. Broadband is a major step forward.

The Minister of State mentioned 2020, which is another five years down the line. The Blasket Islands are a glorified museum today and we do not want any more of our vibrant islands to lose their population. Eir has begun a nationwide competition to find the next Belcarra and is looking for a village or community to connect to fibre broadband. It involves an investment of €750,000 and one of the offshore islands has applied. Why is the same type of investment and encouragement not in place for all islands? A competition which one island may or may not win should not be the solution.

I ask the Minister of State to ensure the islanders are engaged with directly through the national broadband scheme.

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy again for raising this matter. It is important to point out that 85% of the 30% intervention area will be completed by 2018, but this work will start next year. In the Deputy's contribution she spoke about the potential on the islands and those living on the islands. To give a particular example, I met a person last week who works in Scotland and on Arranmore Island, who is looking for direct connectivity between Glasgow and Donegal and Arranmore Island. She highlighted the absolute need for broadband in the work in which she is involved. I completely take the Deputy's point and her proposal or suggestion to engage with the islands on the issue. This engagement has started because there has been much public discourse coming from the islands. The Deputy also mentioned education. The Department funds an art course on Sherkin Island and broadband is a prerequisite for that course.