Martin Kenny
Ceist:106. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeline on the roll-out of the national broadband, including a breakdown of current and capital spend. [23756/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 May 2024
Ceisteanna (106)
Freagraí scríofa
Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy, published by my Department, sets ambitious targets, which include providing a Gigabit network to all households and businesses in Ireland by 2028 and access to 5G in all populated areas by 2030.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
National Broadband Ireland (NBI) are connecting circa 4,000 homes each month. NBI expect to have passed in excess of 300,000 premises by the end of 2024.
I am advised by NBI that, over 248,200 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. Over 81,800 premises are already connected to the National Broadband Plan high-speed broadband network.
The timeline for the completion of the roll-out of the high-speed broadband network by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) is 2027. NBI is confident that it will deliver the full programme within the originally scheduled seven year timeline, with a view to completing the main build activities by 2026.
The maximum State cost for the National Broadband Plan (NBP) programme is €2.7 billion over 25 years, including €480 million for contingency costs.
€748 million has been paid to National Broadband Ireland (NBI) to date under the NBP Contract. The total cost of the NBP programme since 2020, when the network roll-out commenced, is €789.9 million. This figure largely comprises the first two hundred and thirty one payments to NBI amounting to €748 million. The cost of €789.9 million also includes fees for external advisors, who assist the Department in governing and monitoring the contract obligations of NBI. All NBP costs are capital costs and there are no current costs.