Conflicting messages on who is footing the bill for the National Broadband Plan appear to be emerging from government.
This morning, the Agriculture Minister has admitted that the winning bidder will invest around €200 million of the €3 billion needed for project.
But that seems to contradict what the Communications Minister has to say on the matter.
Agriculture Minister Michael Creed there speaking on this morning’s edition of Morning Focus on Clare FM, where he admitted the consortium led by Granahan Mc Court will invest in the region of €200 million in the National Broadband Plan.
But that seems to be in direct contradiction with what his party colleague, Communications Minister Richard Bruton has to say.
Minister Bruton insists the money invested by the winning bidder is a private matter for the company – and he was firm in his stance that the government wouldn’t be footing any more than 50% of the bill.
The mixed messages from government are leading to some concern here in Clare, where €99 million is to be invested.
Over 23,000 premises, around a third of the total number, will be covered here, especially in rural areas.
But with the deal running for 25 years, along with the mixed messages on the funding of it, Independent Kilrush Councillor Ian Lynch is concerned about its future.
Meanwhile, documents showing the Department of Public Expenditure’s concerns about the National Broadband Plan are expected to be published today.
The cabinet approved the plan despite advice from some officials that it may not be good value for money.
