Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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201. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he or his Department have discussed with telecoms providers the need to strengthen their networks in view of the widespread outages of telecommunication services due to recent storms; the outcome of such discussions; if those providers intend to put adequate investment in upgrading their networks and avoid such outages in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10538/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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Following the damage caused to the Telecoms networks by Storm Éowyn, my colleague Minister O'Donovan met with senior executives of both mobile and fixed telecoms providers to reflect on the lessons to be learned, and measures to be considered to build further resilience into telecommunications networks to avoid, where feasible and practicable, a reoccurrence of the same level of disruption to services.

I am advised that this was a constructive engagement, and it was agreed by all that it will require a strong collaboration between public and private entities to ensure that our communication networks are strengthened to withstand the kinds of weather impacts recently experienced.

It was also acknowledged that the recovery process needs to be improved. There is a need for clearer protocols and lines of communication and preparedness between the various stakeholders involved in reporting and repairing damage, clearing debris and ensuring that emergency solutions are promptly put in place.

To that end, the telecoms providers have been asked to begin to identify specific areas in which both the State and private industry can work together in the short-term to improve both the resilience and recovery plans for these kinds of damaging events.

I also note that, as per my previous reply to Question No. 89 on 11 February, officials in my Department are developing a longer term climate resilience plan for communication networks which will look at how all sectors of the electronic communication networks market can be better prepared for the effects of climate change.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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202. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he or his Department have had discussion with telecoms providers concerning ongoing outages in many areas, including parts of Cavan and Monaghan, as a result of storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10539/25]