Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2026
139. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is aware of the serious difficulties being experienced by households in accessing adequate broadband services, particularly in circumstances where reliable connectivity is essential for the operation of medical devices within the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15265/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government – Securing Ireland’s Future published in January 2025 sets a number of targets which include the completion of the installation of high-speed fibre broadband to 1.1 million people, including homes, farms, and businesses nationwide, by 2026.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government initiative to deliver high-speed broadband to all premises in Ireland . In addition, Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy published in December 2022, sets out a number of targets including that all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028.
The Government identified a need to deliver broadband services where commercial operators would not operate. As part of the NBP, the Government appointed National Broadband Ireland (NBI) to deliver wholesale broadband services to those parts of the country, primarily in rural areas, not served by commercial operators.
Along with the NBP intervention contract, progress is being made by commercial operators’ in expanding their next generation networks throughout the State and ensuring the targets set out in the Digital Connectivity strategy are achieved.
The choice of operator offering services in any given area is available at bbchecker.comreg.ie/
In the event that a customer is receiving an inadequate broadband service, particularly in circumstances where reliable connectivity is essential for the operation of medical devices within the home, and they have not had a satisfactory resolution with their retail service provider. The matter can be escalated to the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).
If the Deputy has particular details of a case I would be happy to ask my officials to look into the matter.
