The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD, has officially launched a second public consultation regarding the implementation of the Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA). This latest phase focuses on establishing the specific technical standards required to ensure that new constructions and major renovations in Ireland are equipped with high-speed digital infrastructure.

The GIA is a European Union regulation designed to accelerate the deployment of very high-capacity networks (VHCNs), such as fibre and 5G. It seeks to lower costs by improving transparency, encouraging the reuse of existing infrastructure, and coordinating civil works. A key provision of the Act requires Member States to set standards for in-building physical infrastructure and fibre wiring.

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Minister O'Donovan said: "For many, especially those working from home, a fast reliable broadband service is essential. These standards will ensure that all new builds will be fibre ready and will help ensure the future proofing of our housing stock."

The proposed specifications aim to provide the construction and telecommunications industries with much-needed clarity on the implementation of Article 10 of the GIA. These technical requirements will govern how physical infrastructure and fibre wiring are integrated into building designs, ensuring they are "gigabit-ready" from the outset.

While the primary audience for the consultation includes professionals in the telecommunications and construction sectors, the Minister has invited feedback from all interested parties. The insights gathered will help refine the standards that will eventually be integrated into building and telecommunications regulations.

The Minister concluded: "The specifications proposed in this consultation will provide both the construction industry and the telecommunications industry with the clarity on the technical specifications that are necessary for the implementation of Article 10 of the GIA (In-building physical infrastructure and fibre wiring). While this consultation is aimed mainly at the construction and telecommunications sectors, the Minister welcomes submissions from all interested parties."