The bidder for the National Broadband Plan will have to invest 2.4 billion euro in the project, according to the Communications Minister.
Richard Bruton claims that will be the cost to Granahan McCourt over the lifetime of the 25 year contract.
It follows comments by Minister Michael Creed last week, when he told Clare FM the company’s contribution would be much lower.
There had been calls for more transparency around the numbers involved in the National Broadband Plan bid after Minister Michael Creed told Clare FM this.
So 200 million from the company, vs three billion from the state
Not great value for the taxpayer.
Communications Minister Richard Bruton wouldn’t address that directly.
But he’s said Granahan McCourt’s stake will be similar to the government’s.
Labour leader Brendan Howlin isn’t buying it
All opposition parties are now calling for more clarity, with the government still citing commercial sensitivities around a contract that hasn’t yet been signed.
And yet, some are backing the government’s rollout of broadband, including one of its critics.
Nonetheless, Deputy Michael Harty feels the controversy surrounding the Plan is far from over.
