Vol. 507 No. 2
26 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the proposals, if any, she has 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. [16512/99]
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 were received, evaluated by independent consultants and recommendations have been made. No proposals were received for the Cavan and Monaghan region in the latest round. Contractual details are currently being finalised with a number of companies. I hope to make an announcement on these projects shortly.
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.
