National broadband rollout
Deputy McConalogue criticised delays in the national broadband plan, especially in Donegal. The Minister replied that rollout would begin in 15 counties in 2020 and all counties would see active fibre deployment in 2021.
My question is for the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. It relates to the national broadband plan. The history of the national broadband plan is littered with broken promises and a failure to live up to commitments. The initial plan was that by the end of 2020, broadband services would have been delivered to the entire country. At present, 30,000 business premises and private residential homes in County Donegal are still waiting on the national broadband plan to deliver. That is one third of premises. Given that the new plan announced and signed last week has a final delivery date of 2027 and given the high percentage of affected homes and business premises in Donegal, will the Minister commit to ensuring that Donegal is prioritised in order that this large number of premises can start to be addressed? Will he also tell the House when the first homes will be connected?
Comment on this
Fianna Fáil supports the broadband plan.
Comment on this
I am conscious that the Deputy and his party recently supported a motion that would have seen the deferral of the broadband plan for five years. His concern for a fast roll-out in Donegal is belied by his actions. The truth is that we will be starting in 15 counties in 2020 and all counties in 2021 will see the active roll-out of fibre broadband. National Broadband Ireland will be detailing its plans shortly.