David Cullinane, Sinn Féin spokesperson for communications, reiterated Sinn Féin’s call for full public ownership and retention of the national broadband plan, saying that there are no further hurdles in place.

Deputy Cullinane said:

“The EU Commission’s ruling that the public good outweighs private business concerns on rural broadband is to be welcomed.

“Now, the government must implement the Communications Committee’s report into the plan, which called for full public ownership of the finished network.

“It also called on the government to explore the option of the ESB as the supplier and builder of the network itself.

“It is not too late for Minister Bruton to avoid making a disastrous financial mistake by following through on the failed build and operate which will end up costing the State billions.”