For the benefit of members, I would like to read into the record a letter I received on behalf of the committee from Rex Comb, the chief executive of Eircom, on 30 March:
Dear Deputy O'Flynn,
I am very pleased to inform you and your Committee that today eircom has announced that we will upgrade the telephone network in the Black Valley to ensure that the local community will benefit from voice telephony and broadband services on a par with those available elsewhere.
eircom is now committed to spending a significant amount of capital expenditure (up to €500,000) in the coming financial year on the Black Valley. I have established a dedicated group within eircom to progress the matter including finalising a decision on the technology platform to be used. Due to the unique geographical challenges of the Black Valley and the prohibitive costs of deploying a traditional fixed line copper solution, it is likely that a wireless solution will be chosen. I am also committed to consultations with the local community during the planning and implementation stage of this project.
I am confident that this voluntary initiative by eircom will resolve a long-standing problem for the local Black Valley community. It also demonstrates eircom's commitment, unique in the competitive Irish telecommunications market, to provide a national network serving all households and businesses in all areas of the country.
Finally, I would like to thank the committee and yourself as chairman for your role in resolving this matter. In the course of various presentations we made to the committee, eircom has always been made aware of the strong views of the local community on this issue. We are delighted now to be in a position to respond positively to those representations.
A recent press release further states:
A final decision on the technology platform to be used has not been taken yet, but an internal eircom working group has been established. Due to the unique geographical challenges of the Black Valley and the prohibitive cost of deploying a traditional fixed line copper solution, it is likely that a wireless solution such as 3G/HSDPA or WiMax will be used. The local community will be consulted during the process, particularly as planning permission may be required.