Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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29. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the programme for Government commitments relating to improving mobile telephone coverage; the timetable for actions in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32064/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I am critically aware of the frustration currently being experienced across Ireland, where mobile networks are not always delivering the services people expect.  I specifically included in the Programme for Government, a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. In July, I established the Taskforce, together with Minister Humphreys, which aims to unlock barriers to investment in mobile and broadband services. The Taskforce has already met 11 times, with a number of helpful initiatives emerging in the areas of planning, Local Authority engagement, and consumer information/engagement.

The Taskforce involves a number of Departments and agencies, as well as engagement with ComReg and operators and I anticipate we will bring a report to Government by end 2016, on foot of  its work.

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 local level rollout of broadband and mobile services.

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

In addition, I recently signed Regulations allowing ComReg to proceed with an early 2017 auction of the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, to increase spectrum available for mobile, nomadic and fixed wireless broadband services. I have also secured €8m for RTÉ in my Department's 2017 estimates to allow it to free up the 700MHz spectrum band.  These initiatives should significantly enhance the quality of mobile phone and data services, particularly in rural Ireland.

The 700 MHz band is particularly suited to rural environments where the signal can travel long distances. I also intend to discuss with ComReg, the possibility of introducing elements within the auction process, which would ensure that blackspots are identified and adequately addressed.  

In parallel, the National Broadband Plan aims to deliver high speed services throughout Ireland, through private investment and State intervention in areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.

The procurement process to select a contract(s) to deliver the NBP network has commenced and intensive dialogue with the three bidders is currently underway.  Ultimately, this should deliver a solution lasting 25 years and beyond and put Ireland to the forefront internationally in terms of connectivity.