Taoiseach denies broadband cost has risen to €3bn

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has denied the cost of the national broadband plan has “ballooned” to €3bn and also said the Government will have the option to buy out services in 25 years.

Addressing concerns about ongoing delays in delivering high-speed broadband to half a million homes and premises in rural areas, Mr Varadkar defended the expected high cost for the project.