Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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961. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline her engagement with the Minister for the Environment, Communications, and Climate concerning the subsea cable to Sherkin Island, which has been out of order since November 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24357/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for bringing this issue to my attention. My Department has been in contact with the local development company on Sherkin Island to clarify the matter.

I understand that the sub-sea telephone cable to the island has been damaged since late last year. I also understand that poor weather has, to date, prevented the telephone company from carrying out the necessary repairs work.

I would, however, point out that the provision and maintenance of telecommunication services and its associated infrastructure is a matter for the relevant service providers and complaints should be bought to the attention of the Commission for Communication Regulation (Comreg), who are the correct body with dealing with unsatisfactory service and support.