Extensive ESB infrastructure will provide an opportunity to extend the reach of fibre in Ireland, with the potential to enhance the provision of high speed broadband and increase competition in the Irish telecommunications market.

The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr Pat Rabbitte TD, announced that he will publish the ESB (Electronic Communications Networks) Bill 2013 which was approved by Government at its meeting this week. The Bill provides an explicit legal basis to enable the ESB to engage in the business of electronic communications networks and electronic communications services either itself or in conjunction with any other company. It will allow ESB to use its network infrastructure to deliver fibre services to the telecommunications market.

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Making the announcement Minister Rabbitte said: "I believe that the publication of this Bill is a further step in Ireland positioning itself as a front runner in tackling the broadband infrastructure deficit.

"The ESB has been considering proposals to use its electricity distribution network to provide fibre telecommunications services on a wholesale only basis and has sought a Joint Venture partner in this regard. I look forward to receiving their detailed proposals in due course.

"This is a ground breaking initiative and one which is very much in the spirit of the Government's National Broadband Plan which specifically promotes the use of State assets to accelerate the roll out of high speed broadband infrastructure and services."

(CD/JP)