2026-05-07

2. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport in light of the extensive availability of fibre broadband infrastructure across the State, if Ireland is now in a position to accelerate the switch off of the legacy copper network process; and if this will form a priority area for Ireland during negotiations on the EU Digital Networks Act as part of our forthcoming EU Presidency. [33834/26]

I thank the Deputy. The Government’s digital connectivity strategy, DCS, aims to have all Irish households and businesses covered by a gigabit network by 2028. A fibre network is faster, consumes less energy and is more reliable than a copper network, and the transition away from legacy copper infrastructure to modern fibre is consistent with that objective. In this regard, the Department supports the prioritisation of a managed transition from copper to fibre-based broadband. The widespread deployment of fibre infrastructure across the State represents a significant step towards the transition from copper-based networks. However, the acceleration of the switch-off of the legacy copper network cannot be determined on the basis of infrastructure availability alone. Any decision in this area must take account of a range of additional factors, including the protection of end users, the continuity of essential services, affordability and the availability of appropriate wholesale access arrangements. It is also necessary to ensure that competition in the market is maintained and that consumers, particularly vulnerable users, are not adversely affected. As indicated previously in response to Question No. 966 on 18 March 2026, the process by which Eir can retire this network is laid out in the Commission for Communications Regulation Decision D09/23, Framework for the Migration from Legacy Infrastructure to Modern Infrastructure. The Government remains supportive of an orderly transition to fibre-based networks, while ensuring that any copper switch-off is carried out in a proportionate manner and in the best interests of consumers and the wider market. In January 2026, the European Commission published its proposed Digital Networks Act, DNA, which is a substantial file and contains several new policy proposals for regulating the electronic communications market. In relation to copper switch-off, the proposal sets out that member states must mandate copper switch-off in all areas where sustainability conditions have been met and it is commercially viable to do so by 31 December 2035. By 31 October 2029, each member state should prepare a national transition to fibre plan and notify it to the Commission. The DNA proposal is currently being negotiated at official level in Brussels and copper switch-off is one of several significant issues including spectrum, resilience and satellite connectivity being discussed. While it is expected the negotiations will not be concluded during Ireland’s Presidency, Ireland will aim to submit a progress report by December 2026.

I thank the Minister. I look forward to the progress report in 2026. That is good news. I agree that the move to fibre will improve Internet speeds, reduce connectivity problems and support modern services such as online learning, remote working, streaming and digital healthcare. I think that is what the Minister means by end users and vulnerable users. It is especially important for rural Ireland, where better broadband can create new opportunities. Copper networks are also old and expensive to maintain. Fibre is more durable, efficient and better prepared for the future demands of technology. As Ireland becomes more digital, we need infrastructure that can support future generations. The copper switch-off is not about taking something away; it is about replacing outdated technology with a stronger and more reliable system. Overall, this change will help modernise Ireland and improve connectivity around the country.

I do not disagree with the Deputy at all. He gave a good synopsis there as to why the investment in rural broadband is so important. I do not know whether any political party bar my own at the time actually advocated for it, but it has been transformative. I see it in my own home where the broadband that I have now in a rural location with fibre connectivity is a lot faster than in my constituency office and is nearly faster than what we have here in Leinster House. That has been transformative. When I first came into the Dáil in 2011, every second question asked of the Taoiseach and the Minister for communications at the time related to broadband. This is the first broadband question that I have been asked since being appointed Minister, which shows the level of roll-out and the impact that it is having. I raise copper switch-off with regard to vulnerable users, specifically around isolation alarms and alarms for older people where they have the pendants on the wrists. We have to be very conscious that whatever we do, we do not leave them behind, particularly older people who have pendants and wristwatches where they press the button. There is a bit of work to be done on this yet but I fully understand and empathise with what the Deputy is saying.

I thank the Minister. I will claim some for myself. I believe the project is coming in under budget. It goes back to maybe Pat Rabbite's days and that is over 10 years ago, so it is a long time coming. While the copper switch-off is an important step forward, many people still do not understand what it means for them. This goes back to the vulnerable end users. That is why the Government should run a public awareness campaign once the time comes. Many households, especially older people and those in rural areas, still rely on traditional landlines and older systems connected through copper networks. Some might not realise they need to upgrade equipment or switch services before the change happens when it eventually comes. Without clear communication, people could become confused or worried about losing phone or broadband services. A Government campaign could explain what the copper switch-off means, when it will happen, how to prepare, and where people can get help and support should they need it. If the Government informs people early and clearly, the transition will be smoother, less stressful and more successful for everyone.

I agree with the Deputy. A lot of parallels can been drawn from this with regard to when the former Minister, Pat Rabbitte, initiated the Saorview switch-over. When Saorview was being switched over, a large amount of investment was put into public awareness and many vulnerable people, especially the elderly, received assistance to make sure they were not left behind. This is being discussed at EU Council level. We are far more progressed than a lot of our colleagues in the European Union thanks in no small way to National Broadband Ireland and the investment we have made in rural broadband. However, in Dublin, for example, a lot of people are very reliant on copper. I do not in any way take from what the Deputy O'Donoghue said with regard to copper, which is slower than fibre. The reality is that for older people especially, where the conventional landline is their mode of communication and where the pendant and the wristband are their form of protection, we have to make sure through work we will do with the Minister in the Department of rural and community development, Deputy Calleary, that whatever we do is in an orderly fashion and we do not in any way cause distress to end users who are reliant on the copper network as it is at the moment.