Today in Dáil Éireann, I pointed out to An Taoiseach that 63 days ago I said to him that Budget 2022 must be different. I pointed out that we have a once in a generation opportunity to restructure our economy. Sadly, that did not happen, and Budget 2022 was just a little bit for everybody; and the families who are …
3000 rural homes in Roscommon can now order broadband – Naughten
National Broadband Ireland is completing construction of its fibre optic broadband network in the rural areas surrounding Roscommon Town and companies now taking pre-orders for connections, says local TD, and architect of the National Broadband Plan, Denis Naughten. There are 2,993 premises in the Roscommon area such as Ballymurray, Knockcroghery, Lecarrow, Athleague, Castlecoote, Donamon, Ballymacurley, Kilroosky and Four-Mile-House (see attached …
Broadband Update across Roscommon & Galway
Many people have been in contact with me seeking timelines for the build out of the local fibre network. Earlier, today I received an update from the Department of Communications broadband team on the build out of the fibre network across Roscommon and Galway. You can view the details provided to me here: Roscommon Galway Broadband Progress Update Nov. 21 …
We need independent scientific advice in policy and decision making
Science Week Speech by Denis Naughten TD Dáil Éireann 10th November 2021 Check against delivery While science and technology are playing an ever-increasing role in our lives, be it at home, work or in our leisure activities, there has remained a poor public awareness of science and its opportunities for Ireland, our economy, and our people. However, I hope …
Key question on broadband delivery
Today I put a number of points to the Department of Communications officials regarding broadband delivery bottlenecks, which have lead to the 8 month time lag. Watch it in full below:
Officials asked to explain why broadband delivery pushed back 5 years for some – Naughten
Officials overseeing the delivery of the National Broadband Plan will be asked to explain to an Oireachtas Committee why families who had a target date for a fibre connection this year have now been told that they will have to wait another five years, says Denis Naughten TD. “I have correspondence from families who received updates from National Broadband Ireland …
Budget 2022 is about energy and Government has failed to address costs
The single biggest inflationary pressure on our economic recovery is energy costs. Gas prices projected to rise by up to another 50% over the coming months and then settle at a rate about 10% higher than current prices in the second half of next year which will have a significant knock on impact on electricity prices. Electricity prices have already …
Spending €500 every second but what will we get for it? asks Naughten
Commenting on the publication of the National Development Plan (NDP) this week Denis Naughten said that while the plan sets out a spending program of just over €500 to be spent every single second over this decade, “the key unanswered question is will we get improved delivery for that investment?”. “We have seen with the National Children’s Hospital that there …
Employment services must focus on individuals – Naughten
Today, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection discussed the procurement of PEmployment Services with SIPTU, Fórsa and Department of Social Protection. Officials have now confirmed that existing services will be provided with a 6 month extension. Here are my opening remarks as Cathaoirleach: Watch the full discussion here: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/oireachtas-tv/video-archive/committees/4677 PRESS RELEASE Social Protection Committee to discuss Public Employment Services …
Plans to address broadband bottlenecks mothballed since project started – Naughten
The Mobile Phone & Broadband Taskforce, established to address key bottlenecks in the delivery of vital broadband infrastructure across the country, has failed to meet since the contract with National Broadband Ireland (NBI) was signed in November 2019. This, in part, has contributed to the significant delays in the project delivery, claims Denis Naughten TD. “Based on current estimates from …