Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 3

Written Answers. - Telecommunications Services.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

86 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans, if any, she has to develop the telecommunications network in the broad band or other infrastructural investment in the Inishowen peninsula in view of the fact that it serves a population equivalent to Counties Leitrim or Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13578/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

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 fresh proposals for projects supporting the development of advanced communications networks and services which might be co-funded by the European Union. A number of proposals have been received and are currently being evaluated by independent consultants.

In addition, my Department, together with Forfás, is currently preparing estimates of further funding requirements to ensure nation-wide broadband connectivity. All regions will be considered in this review.