Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1640. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if areas (details supplied) in County Cork are included in the indicative list of locations for fibre-build out as part of the State intervention under the national broadband plan; if his attention has been drawn to the unacceptable levels of service available in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33847/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government’s Statement of Priorities for the period 2014 to 2016 reaffirms our commitment to delivering a State-led broadband intervention in rural areas. Through the implementation of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) we aim to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland, ensuring that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses. This is being achieved through measures designed to accelerate commercial investment and the development of a State-led intervention for non-commercial areas.

Since publication of the Plan, investments by the commercial sector have accelerated. Commercial operators have invested, or are committing to invest approximately €2.5 billion in upgrading telecommunications networks and services. I understand that at least one network operator has published a programme to roll out 103 fibre-based broadband networks in County Cork, including Bantry by July 2016.

The intervention strategy envisaged by Government recognises that quality broadband is a priority service for a 21st Century society. Central to the strategy therefore will be a major infrastructure build, which is likely to be primarily fibre-based. This will be designed to ensure that high quality broadband services are available in all parts of Ireland where commerical investment will not be forthcoming.

Under EU State Aid Guidelines Member States cannot intervene where commercial investors have plans to roll out services. A comprehensive mapping exercise is underway in my Department to identify those areas that require a State intervention.

As part of the mapping process, a stakeholder consultation was launched in June with a deadline of this month for receipt of submissions. I expect to publish the maps for public consultation later this year. Details of the areas requiring State intervention will not be confirmed until then. A further public consultation on the proposed intervention strategy will be launched in mid-2015.

EU State Aid clearance will be required for the proposed State intervention. My Department will be working closely with the European Commission on this important aspect of the programme.

Finally, a detailed procurement process will have to be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder(s) prior to commencing the roll out of high speed broadband services.

This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government and for my Department. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in a sustainable and meaningful way. Our goal is to ensure that quality, future-proofed broadband services are available to all citizens regardless of where they are located.