Vol. 551 No. 4
69 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the level of State and private invest ment in broadband infrastructure to date; the likely investment over the next five to ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10659/02]
In a fully liberalised market it is a matter in the first instance for the private sector operators to invest in appropriate broadband infrastructure and services. Arising, however, from initiatives introduced by me since 1999, the following is the estimated level of public and private investment in broadband infrastructure over the next five to ten years.
Under the National Development Plan, 1994-1999, €26 million was made available to support the rollout of broadband to the regions. This measure resulted in a total investment of €70 million in communications infrastructure. The amount available for investment in communications infrastructure has been significantly increased under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006. Under the first call for proposals €55 million was made available resulting in a total investment of €130 million, now under way.
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 – BMW – 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 NDP. A total of €44 million is allocated this year in the Department of Public Enterprise Vote for this measure. The estimated cost of phase one is €60 million. Phase two will involve the expansion of broadband networks in the remaining 48 towns. This will be completed through a public private partnership and involve a total investment of approximately €100 million. Phase two should be completed within three years. The Government will seek to maximise private sector involvement in this phase.
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. It is estimated that phase three will involve an additional investment of €100 million. The Government also intends to maximise private sector involvement in this phase.
