Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2019
891. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the value of the contingency fund for the national broadband plan; the amount that can be awarded to a company (details supplied) for encroachment of the intervention area; the circumstances in which an encroachment of the intervention area would trigger compensation to the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45575/19]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) contract provides a mechanism for National Broadband Ireland (NBI) to apply for compensation for encroachment where other commercial operators have deployed a future proofed high speed broadband service in advance of NBI's own deployment in the intervention area.
This subsidy is capped and can only be applied for where my Department determines a commercial deployment of high speed broadband meets the requirements set out in the NBP contract, specifically a deployment of a fibre or equivalent high speed broadband technology, and that this deployment has had a negative impact on NBI's business case. The mapping consultation, which will confirm the intervention area prior to contract award, will reduce the risk of this element of contingency subsidy being required.
The specific capped subsidy for such operator encroachment, should it arise, forms part of contingency funding of €480 million (excluding VAT).
