Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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446. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on the progress of the mapping project to ascertain broadband provision across the country; if he will indicate when the project will be completed and the estimated time-frame for the sanctions by the EU of the State-aid required to develop broadband services in identified areas. [50834/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The objective of the national mapping exercise under the National Broadband Plan is to identify and map current and planned broadband services, both basic and next generation access (NGA). The process for participating in the mapping exercise has been published on my Department’s website () and notified to all undertakings authorised by ComReg. Information has been sought from participating operators in respect of current coverage as well as investments planned up to July 2016 and beyond, where appropriate. Mapping data has been submitted to my Department by a total of 23 operators and the process of analysing the data and supporting information is now underway. The mapping data is being assessed on a case-by-case basis, having regard to the EU State Aid Guidelines. When all of the information has been analysed, a clear picture should emerge of coverage throughout all of the country. It is my intention to publish the map showing existing and planned NGA broadband coverage early next year, along with the Government’s proposals for a State-led intervention to roll out high speed broadband across the country.

In order to obtain State Aid clearance from the European Commission it will be necessary to formally notify the Commission of the proposed intervention, setting out a detailed description of the proposed measure and the actions Ireland has taken, and will take, to comply with the Commission's guidelines in relation broadband networks. The mapping process which will inform the intervention is still ongoing and therefore it would be premature to submit a formal State Aid notification at this stage. My officials have, however, commenced dialogue with the European Commission and this engagement will intensify over the coming months.

Intensive technical, financial and legal preparations, including stakeholder engagement, are ongoing. The procurement process for the approved intervention will be carried out in accordance with EU and Irish procurement rules and it is expected that it will be launched in 2014. Through the implementation of the National Broadband Plan, I am committed to ensuring that all parts of Ireland have access to high speed broadband, with a view to ensuring that all citizens and businesses can participate fully in, and maximise the benefits of, a digitally enabled economy and society.