9. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the way in which the national broadband plan will address gaps in high-speed broadband connectivity in larger towns such as Balbriggan and Skerries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64566/25]

Sentiment score: 0.15

The roll-out of national broadband is delivering high-speed fibre to rural and urban communities. It is a success and progress has been made, yet we know that there is partial coverage in some towns and villages. For example, my own hometown of Skerries has partial coverage of fibre broadband and not access to the national fibre broadband. The Minister might give us an update on when we can expect full roll-out of the national broadband plan in all towns and villages.

Sentiment score: 0.19

I thank the Minister and welcome his update. I have a concern in relation to the blue area. Part of Skerries is in the blue area as well. The Minister mentioned Balbriggan. The problem with the blue area is that the residents of an estate are being told that unless they come together as a collective of 20 to 50 residents who are willing to sign up with one commercial provider, they will not be able to access the fibre broadband, or it will not be delivered. That is not good enough. It also undermines competition. All the residents have to come together and sign up to one fibre broadband provider. Skerries is 35 minutes from the city centre, and broadband is an absolutely essential infrastructure for businesses, for remote working and for our day-to-day lives. Our lives happen online. I would really appreciate if something can be looked at in terms of the blue area.

Sentiment score: 0.03

I agree that the roll-out of the national broadband plan has been a success. We just need to make sure that people, families, residents and businesses are not left behind. I will contact the Minister's office in relation to the specific areas.

Sentiment score: 0.35