Vol. 500 No. 6
31 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the investment proposals, if any, in progress or planned to upgrade the telecommunications infrastructure in the Border region, particularly Cavan and Monaghan; the level of funding, if any, which will be provided; the projects, if any, which will be assisted; the level of funding for each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4601/99]
46 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the proposals, if any, there are to provide broadband and advanced telecommunications infrastructure in the Cavan and Monaghan region to facilitate the development of electronic commerce in view of the need to provide employment opportunities in that area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4600/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 46 together.
The Deputy is aware that the provision of telecommunications infrastructure is primarily a matter for operators in the newly liberalised telecommunications market.
Recognising that in certain regions of the country, competition alone will not provide the required broadband telecommunications infrastructural investment, I recently sought proposals for projects supporting the development of advanced communications networks and services which might be co-funded by European Union funding. Unfortunately no suitable proposals were received relating to Cavan or Monaghan.
However, my Department, together with Forfás, is currently preparing estimates of further funding requirements to ensure nationwide broadband connectivity. All regions will be considered.
