The Finance Minister has conceded the National Broadband Plan is a risk.
It's after Department of Public Expenditure officials warned the plan presents an unprecedented risk to the state finances.
The Department told the government not to proceed with the €3 billion plan.
It said the project would be a leap of faith and investments in social housing, health and climate change may now be delayed or cancelled to find the money for broadband.
Paschal Donohoe overruled the concerns of his Department to go ahead with the investment.
The Minister says he believes on balance it's the right decision:
"I believe it is a risk, but I believe the protections that are in the contract that has been negoitated offers a way fro the state to manage that risk"
Minister Donohoe said he believes rural broadband will be increasingly important for healthcare and education.
He added "The way we have of managing the risk offers enough protection to the taxpayer to go ahead with this process."
