Rory O'Hanlon
Question:71 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the position regarding provision of broadband in County Monaghan and County Cavan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12520/02]
Written Answers. - Telecommunications Services.
Under the e-commerce measure of the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, 31 submissions were received under the second call for proposals by the deadline of 19 October 2002. These submissions were independently evaluated and the results of evaluation were finalised at the beginning of this year. On foot of the evaluation a number of local authorities have been asked to enter procurement to establish firm prices for their proposals. Once procurement is completed and subject to satisfactory pricing, contracts will be offered for these projects. It is anticipated that this will take place over the next two months. These proposals involve the construction of metro area fibre optic networks in 19 towns around the country.
Arising from the Government strategy which I announced on 8 March last a second phase of 48 additional towns will be pursued through a public private partnership model. On 22 March 2002 I met with the county managers from counties Cavan, Monaghan and Louth to discuss their inclusion in phase one of the programme. Negotiations are continuing and I am confident that these counties will be included in phase one.