Malcolm Byrne
Question:213. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the Copper Network Switch Off Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44654/26]
View answerThursday, 11 June 2026
Questions (213, 214)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:214. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if there are plans to carry out an education and information campaign on the Copper Network Switch Off Plan. [44652/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 214 together.
The Government remains supportive of an orderly transition to fibre-based networks, while ensuring that any Copper Switch Off (CSO) is carried out in a proportionate manner and in the best interests of consumers and the wider market.
The first step in the execution of the migration from legacy copper-based infrastructure to modern infrastructure will be for ComReg to approve the Switch Off Proposal put forward by eir, (because the copper network, while privately owned by Eir, is considered critical national infrastructure, and its decommissioning must be regulated to protect consumers, businesses, and essential services.) On being approved, the framework for Exchange Area by Exchange Area copper switch off will be implemented by Eir in line with the requirements set out in ComReg Decision D09/23.
As the timing of CSO is largely a commercial matter for eir, subject to compliance with ComReg's regulatory framework, it would not be appropriate for the Department to direct the commencement of this process. However, the Department recognises that a well-managed copper switch-off could serve as a catalyst for increased fibre adoption, and continues to engage with ComReg, through a bilateral working group on Copper Switch Off, and with eir, to monitor developments.
The CSO working group is currently a bilateral engagement between the Department and ComReg. As eir is the only provider of a copper network in Ireland the Department meets with Eir to discuss its plans.
ComReg issued Guidance for retail service providers on customer migrations during copper switch-off (ComReg 24/76 – published September 2024). There will be further publicly available information in relation to copper switch off as work in this area progresses.
The Government’s Digital Connectivity Strategy aims to have all Irish households and businesses covered by a gigabit network by 2028. A fibre network is faster, consumes less energy and is more reliable than a copper network, and the transition away from legacy copper infrastructure to modern fibre is consistent with that objective.
Where considered appropriate, the Government may further support copper switch off through coordinated education and information campaigns, likely to include national awareness measures on the rationale and timing of the transition, clear communication to affected users on migration requirements, and targeted outreach to smaller businesses, public services and vulnerable consumers. Such measures would be aligned with the phased, geographic switch-off plans approved by ComReg and implemented in coordination with relevant operators and authorities, with the objectives of facilitating an orderly transition and maintaining public confidence.
Question No. 214 answered with Question No. 213.