Written answers

Tuesday, 25 September 2018

Department of Rural and Community Development

Broadband Service Provision

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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462. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress to date in respect of the two regional broadband action groups with particular reference to the provision of an efficient broadband network across rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38880/18]

Photo of Seán KyneSeán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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My Department has combined the original two Regional Broadband Action Groups into a single country-wide Regional Action Group to remove barriers to the installation of telecoms infrastructure and accelerate the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan once a contract is signed with the successful tenderer. The Group currently meets on a monthly basis and has successfully facilitated the sharing of ideas and local knowledge, and established valuable networking opportunities between the Local Authorities and service providers.

A key deliverable of the Regional Action Group is the development of local digital strategies in each Local Authority area. Indecon was appointed to assist Local Authorities in this process, with Digital Readiness Assessments prepared for each Local Authority. It is anticipated that the local digital strategies will be completed over the coming months.

My Department has also been engaged with broadband officers and telecommunications providers to assess the viability of sharing underground infrastructure. My officials are also working with broadband officers to develop pilot projects which will seek to test the viability and scalability of digital initiatives before they are rolled out in other rural locations.

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