Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce Implementation Group

The Taskforce is made up of senior officials from Government Departments, Statutory Agencies and Local Government and engages with representatives of the telecommunications industry. It is Co-Chaired by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Communications and the Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth TD.

The Taskforce was first established in 2016 to identify and address barriers to improved mobile phone and broadband services in areas with poor connectivity ahead of the roll out of the National Broadband Plan. Over the course of three years, it drove significant developments in operational practice, policy development and engagement between the pubic and commercial sector.

The Taskforce was advised and supported in its work by ComReg.

A reconvened Taskforce commenced work in 2021 directed by the two Ministers to build on the good work of previous Taskforce and to address strategic and complex issues.

These include:

• Permit granting, planning and licencing issues,
• Efficient tracking and use of infrastructure and assets,
• Improving outdoor mobile phone coverage, and
• Consumer protection measures

The reconvened Taskforce consists of

• Department of Rural and Community Development
• Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (and agencies)
• Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
• Department of Transport (and agencies)
• LGMA
• CCMA
• Road Management Office
• ASAI

The work of the Taskforce is supported by ComReg, which acts as independent advisors to the Taskforce, and ongoing engagement with Ibec on behalf of the Telecommunications Industry.

The Taskforce will meet bi-annually.

The Taskforce are in the process of agreeing a work programme for 2022-2024 which will be published early in 2022.