A decision on how the National Broadband Plan proceeds has been delayed due to the possible need of a bailout for the beef sector.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he hopes to make a decision on the project before Easter, which falls on 21 April.

Knock-on effect

However, before making a decision he said it was possible that by late March or early April the beef sector could require a substantial bailout, which would have a knock-on effect on other projects.

During an Oireacthas committee for finance meeting, it was said that the overall cost of the project has spiralled from €500m to €3bn, a six-fold increase.

The Taoiseach refused to be drawn on what the final figure would be, but said it “will be many multiples” of the original estimate.

Great uncertainty

Speaking before the committee, the Taoiseach said: “I am conscious of the fact there is great uncertainty over the next couple of weeks as to what’s going to happen with Brexit.

“We may find ourselves in late March or early April coming to the Oireachtas seeking a very substantial supplementary estimate to bail out our beef industry, to keep people in employment across rural Ireland, in particular in the agri-food sector, to support our exporters.”

The Taoiseach noted that the Oireachtas would like to know what bills were coming before the Government looked for more money.

If completed, the project would see broadband access brought to half a million homes, farms and businesses.

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