Plan To Deliver High Speed Broadband In Doubt Following Naughten Resignation

The plan to deliver high speed broadband to every home in Ireland is now in doubt following the resignation of the Communications Minister.

Denis Naughten stepped down yesterday after it emerged he held a number of private meetings with businessman David McCourt, who is involved in the bid for the National Broadband Plan tender.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has ordered a review to see if the process has been compromised.

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Clare TD Timmy Dooley, who’s Fianna Fail’s Communications Spokesperson says the future of the National Broadband Plan has been cast into doubt.

Questions have been asked of Clare’s Junior Minister, after the Taoiseach revealed that Pat Breen arranged and attended a meeting between David McCourt and the former Minister at McCourt’s home.

In a statement, Minister Breen said that Mr Court’s home is about 10 miles from his own in Clare, that he has gotten to know him on a personal basis, and that he has visited his Co Clare home several times.

Speaking in the Dáil last night, Clare’s Independent TD, Dr Michael Harty, was among those who say he has questions to answer.

Meanwhile, a number of Government representatives have defended the role of Clare’s Junior Minister in the Communication Minister’s resignation.
Junior Business Minister, Pat Breen admitted to facilitating one of the private dinners which Deputy Naughten attended.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney last night defended Minister Breen, while Health Minister Simon Harris today says it’s a Minister’s responsibility to ensure all engagements are appropriate to attend.
Clare’s Senator Martin Conway also says his party colleague has done nothing wrong. He’s been telling Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill there’s no question but that his position is safe