Vol. 517 No. 1
69 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. [9145/00]
79 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the investment proposals 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 particular projects, if any, which will be assisted; the level of funding per project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9146/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 79 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the provision of advanced 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 advanced telecommunications infrastructural investment, 13 projects supporting the development of advanced telecommunications networks are being co-funded under the INTERREG II and Economic Infrastructure Operational Programmes. These entail approximately 26 million of European funding, leveraging a further 42 million of private sector investment. These projects were selected following open competitive calls for projects. No proposals were received in respect of Cavan and Monaghan. All the projects are to be completed by 31 December 2000. I will make details of the 13 projects available to the Deputy.
IR£120 million has been allocated to co-funding investment in advanced communications and e-commerce infrastructure and services under the national development plan for the years 2000 to 2006. Co-funding of IR£84 million has been allocated to the Border, midlands and west regional operational programme.
