The Taoiseach has ruled out using the ESB to deliver rural broadband claiming it would be "a bit much to ask". Both Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Labour leader Brendan Howlin believe the State-owned electricity company could roll out the controversial National Broadband Plan (NBP). Mr Varadkar said the Cabinet could make a decision on the NBP as early as next week. Mr Varadkar stressed that the provision of broadband is essential to future economic growth across the country. Asked about using the ESB to provide rural broadband, Mr Varadkar said: "We have examined the ESB option.

Source: Irish Examiner May 03, 2019 14:13 UTC