Procurement model is failing the State

An in-depth analysis says SMEs could gain €6.8bn in extra work and corporate tax revenues could rise €2bn over five years if the State’s tendering process was changed, writes Kyran Fitzgerald

The decision by telecommunications company Eir to withdraw from the National Broadband Plan procurement process has sparked a strong reaction, particularly in those parts of the country that have yet to benefit from high speed broadband services.

Given that many businesses are being held back as a result of delays in the rollout of state-of-the-art telecoms services, such a reaction is understandable.