Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
465. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his attention has been drawn to areas that are unable to get fibre broadband installed due to having direct buried leads; if this is under review within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31900/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra466. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding any engagement he has had with an organisation (detail supplied) in relation to the provision of fibre broadband in estates that have direct buried leads, making the installation of fibre broadband more costly and difficult; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31901/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 465 and 466 together.
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.
Alongside the NBP intervention contract, commercial operators continue to upgrade their networks throughout the State to primarily urban areas and contribute materially to achieving the Digital Connectivity Strategy targets by 2028.
My department continues to work closely with the commercial operators in reviewing all scenarios where gigabit challenged areas exist including those areas where direct buried leads exist. My department is continuing to monitor these upgrades to ensure any unnecessary barriers to this investment are addressed in a timely manner.
