Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Feb 2002

Vol. 547 No. 4

Written Answers. - Telecommunications Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

106 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will provide a report in respect of the provision of the Atlantic corridor fibre optic line along the west coast; the reports available to her on the economic feasibility of the Atlantic corridor; her plans to subsidise this telecommunications facility if necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3802/02]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

In response to a call for expressions of interest issued last autumn, my Department has received 13 in the so-called Atlantic broadband corridor from a range of domestic and international interests, which are being studied in my Department.

The objectives of this project are to infill broadband and local access deficits in the regions on a public private partnership basis, address the open access broadband infrastructure gaps, provide cheaper broadband services by encouraging new entrants, increase competition and reduce the price of broadband services in the underserved parts of Ireland with the objective of strengthening productive infrastructure in the regions, and to enhance the attractiveness of the western and underserved regions for e-commerce and related foreign direct investment. As part of an integrated series of broadband initiatives, I will report to Government shortly on proposals to progress this project.