Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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865. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his proposals to ensure the measures are implemented to deal with the inadequate mobile telephone coverage in parts of the country and particularly in Border counties such as counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27461/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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Telecommunications service providers operate in a fully liberalised market under licences provided by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of ComReg. Notwithstanding the independence of ComReg, I am critically aware of the frustration currently being experienced across Ireland, where mobile networks are not always delivering the services people expect. There are a variety of reasons for this:

- Data usage in Ireland has increased by 500% in the last five years;

- Current 3G and 4G upgrades have resulted in temporary outages in some areas;

- planning and siting issues for mobile masts and antenna;

- the performance of individual handsets and particularly smartphones;

- In-house insulation.

Any customer, including those in border counties such as Cavan and Monaghan, who experiences service difficulties should raise the matter with the service provider in the first instance. If this fails to resolve matters, customers can refer a complaint to ComReg, who will investigate the service provider’s compliance with its contractual obligations.

My Department understands that operators in the telecommunications sector have invested over €2bn in the last 4 years, in order to modernise networks across Ireland, including significant upgrades to 3G and 4G services. One operator has indicated that it is in the process of an upgrading its infrastructure in Cavan and Monaghan, with several sites going live over the summer and more to follow in both counties by the end of the year. An operator in particular has also indicated to my Department that it is keen to engage with local communities and councils to address coverage issues at a local level.

In line with a Programme for Government commitment, my colleague, Heather Humphreys and I have established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce, which has met twice since its formation in July this year. This Taskforce is considering immediate measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland.

The Taskforce involves a number of Government Departments and agencies, as well as engagement with ComReg and telecommunications operators. Measures arising from the Taskforce will be implemented by Government as a matter of priority. I expect that we will bring proposals to Government by the end of 2016, on foot of the Taskforce's report.

Under the Programme for Government Minister Humphreys is also establishing  two regional action groups. Working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies these groups will  help accelerate the rollout of broadband and mobile telecoms services at local level.

These new structures at a national and local level, are designed to address as far as possible immediate issues in relation to the quality of mobile phone and broadband coverage.

My Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks and this will be a key focus for the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce.