Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Mar 1995

Vol. 451 No. 3

Written Answers. - Fibre Optic Cable.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

25 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the Government's policy regarding the provision of fibre optic cable in the Border region in view of the opportunities for investment created by the cessation of violence and the interest being shown by the European Union in infrastructural development. [6153/95]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

The Government's policy with regard to telecommunications is to have high quality telecommunications infrastructure and services available throughout the country at the most competitive possible rates. Whether this is achieved through the use of fibre optic cable, radio or other means is, under the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983, a matter for the commercial judgment of Telecom Éireann. They have informed me that there already is a significant amount of fibre optic cable and radio links installed in the Border region and that continuous upgrading is planned over the next few years.

In addition I can advise the Deputy that the six Border counties will be included in the INTERREG Programme of the European Union under which indicative funding of £8 million will be available for telecommunications in the Border regions. This is subject to satisfactory proposals which comply with the conditions of INTERREG coming forward from Telecom Éireann.

As part of the preparation of the submission for INTERREG, Telecom Éireann has already been in contact with a number of development agencies to discuss infrastructural requirements in the areas with a view to promoting economic activity. Arising from these discussions a number of infrastructural projects, which include fibre optic routes for high quality transmission and diversity of routing, have been put forward for further assessment of their economic benefit and contribution to the Border regions.