Inter-departmental confusion over handling of National Broadband Plan

Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s decision to grant responsibility for the roll-out of “rural broadband” to the newly created Department of Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts, and the Gaeltacht looks to have created considerable inter-departmental confusion over the delivery of the National Broadband Plan (NBP).

In announcing his Cabinet last Friday, Mr Kenny said the provision of rural broadband would fall under the remit of Minister Heather Humphreys’ expanded department.

Given that the NBP is a countrywide initiative rather than being focused solely on rural areas, Mr Kenny’s announcement caused some confusion as to which government department would have responsibility for delivery of the plan.