Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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470. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the Government has transposed the European Broadband Directive (2014/61/EU) which will reduce the cost of deploying high-speed electronic communications networks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2153/16]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Directive 2014/61/EU 14, on measures to reduce the cost of deploying high-speed electronic communications networks, among other things, will require operators of networks providing communications, district heating, electricity including public lighting, gas, transport or and waste water services to negotiate agreements to share their network physical infrastructure with public communications networks operators from 1 July 2016, unless there are objective reasons not to do so in any particular case. It is proposed to implement the required legislation by Regulations under the European Communities Act 1972 and the required legislative text is well advanced. I expect that the Regulations will be adopted shortly, pending the conclusion of discussions with relevant Government Departments on provisions relating to permits to install telecommunications infrastructure above, on or below public roads and an obligation to require building developers to make provisions for telecommunications ducting in future planning applications.