Ivor Callely
Question:17 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the timescale associated with the development of broadband to the regions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10353/02]
Written Answers. - Telecommunications Services.
On 8 March 2002, I announced a major drive to bring high speed broadband access to 67 priority towns around the country.
Phase one of the broadband programme will see 19 towns, many in the Border, midlands and west region targeted immediately. Metropolitan area fibre-optic networks will be built in these towns to link up with the existing backbone network in the country. The town links will facilitate consumers, educational establishments, industry and business and provide "always on" low cost and high speed Internet access which will drive the Government's e-commerce agenda.
The first phase is being conducted in association with local and regional authorities which will receive 90% funding from the Exchequer. A total of €44 million is allocated this year in the Department of Public Enterprise Vote for this measure, which should be completed in full next year at a full cost of €60 million.
Phase two will witness the expansion of broadband networks in the remaining 48 towns. This will be completed through a public private partnership and involve investment of approximately €100 million. Phase two should be completed within three years.
Phase three, which is contingent on the success of the first two phases, will involve rolling out the programme to cover all 123 towns in the State with a population of 1,500 or over and the target date for completion is five years.