Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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450. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to give direction to local authorities that a condition of planning of all new housing developments includes e-fibre connectivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35356/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Planning policy is a matter for the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government. I therefore have no power to issue directions to Local Authorities on any aspect of planning and building rules and policies. My Department does, however, monitor issues which may act as barriers to the deployment of broadband services.

In this regard, my Department has indicated to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, that it sees benefits in exploring possible ways of amending planning legislation in order to facilitate cost effective and accelerated roll-out of broadband.

This could include the question of ducting into new builds that would provide a conduit for fixed line connectivity from the outset. Such a development would support the Government’s broadband objectives.