Minister responds to Mayo frustrations over fibre optic connections
The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Eamon Ryan has given an updated report on planned broadband connectivity in Mayo.
He was responding to a parliamentary question by Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh in regard to when residents of Ballygowan, Claremorris, can expect to be connected to the broadband network
Minister Ryan stated: "I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The national broadway plan (NBP) will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
"It will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 500 Mbps from the outset.
"This represents an increase from the 150 Mbps committed to under the contract.
"The deployment plan forecasts premises passed in all counties within the first two years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years.
"I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding the level of information available on the deployment of the NBI network and I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans.
"I am advised by NBI that, as of 11 December 2020, over 149,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed which is ahead of the full year survey target of 120,000 that had been projected by the company.
"Surveys have been completed in County Mayo in the areas of Aghagower, Ballyhean, Breaghwy, Burren, Castlebar, Clogher, Cloonkeen, Croaghmoyle, Islandeady, Killavally, Manulla, Pontoon, Strade, Tawnynagry, Turlough, Drumsheen, Bunnyconnellan. Ballina Town, Carrowntreila, Ardagh, Campbells Crossroads, Rosserk, Shanvoley, Derryhick, Kilhale, Tawnylaheen, Turlough, Ballyvary, Keeloges, Castlebar Town, Rinnaseer, Bellaburke, Killawullaun Mountain, Carn, Carnacon, Ballyglass, Belcarra, Balla and Ringarraun.
"The next step is for NBI to develop network designs to deliver the new fibre to the home network to these premises, followed by pre build and build works.
"Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network.
"As of 14 December, 221 sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Affairs for publicly available sites and by the Department of Education for schools.
Up to 59 publicly accessible BCPs across the country are now live."