Broadband rollout contract
Deputy Eugene Murphy asked when the long-promised broadband scheme would move to contract and rollout. The Minister said a preferred bidder had been appointed, contracts still needed completion to the State’s satisfaction, and rollout was expected in the final quarter of the year.
I call Deputy Eugene Murphy, who, from his experience in the Chair, knows the rules.
Comment on this
I certainly do, which is why I always keep to the rules and never break them.
Comment on this
I do not intend to discuss the programme for Government. It was noticeable when canvassing, particularly in my constituency of Roscommon-Galway, that the issue of broadband is very significant. While I acknowledge that there have been breakthroughs and that some areas have been connected, many farmers, owners of small businesses and schools remain without it. Is it the Government's intention to proceed with the scheme as announced, and if so, when can we expect a contract to be signed?
Comment on this
As the Deputy knows, two weeks ago, the Government made a decision to appoint a preferred bidder and now contracts will have to be completed to the satisfaction of the State. We will not sign any contracts until that is done and we are satisfied that all the elements of the deal are in place. We have given an indicative timeline and predicted that the process could take up to six months to complete. While we hope to beat that timeline if possible, we will not commence the roll-out until after that date. It will happen in the final quarter of this year.