Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 485: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress on the national broadband scheme; his views on whether it will achieve 100% coverage in North Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[b] [/b] [20999/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is under way. The NBS will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved including any unserved areas in County Tipperary and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met. Homes and premises that are more difficult to reach are also being examined and potential solutions are being considered. Consequently, it is expected that all homes and premises in currently unserved areas will be offered a broadband service.

The first phase of the procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. The four candidates were, in alphabetical order, BT Communications Ireland Ltd Consortium, Eircom Ltd, Hutchinson 3G Ireland Ltd and IFA/Motorola Consortium.

Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate the remaining three candidates participated in "Competitive Dialogue" with my Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet my Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the country. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected in July 2008, with rollout to commence as soon as possible thereafter.

My Department has recently received notice of Judicial Review proceedings regarding certain elements of the NBS mapping process. These proceedings are currently before the Commercial Court and due for hearing on 10 and 11 June 2008. A speedy conclusion of the matter has been requested in order to advance the NBS as quickly as possible.