Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 4

Written Answers - Broadband Technology.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

129 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has had discussions with or is liaising with the Department of the Environment and Local Government regarding the provision of fast broadband ducts and links in large new residential developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6252/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

The management of road openings, which has a major impact on utility services such as telecommunications, is handled by the relevant local authorities on a case by case basis.

Officials from my Department held discussions with officials from the Department of Environment and Local Government last year and made a number of proposals regarding the provision of communications infrastructure including ducting in association with roads projects. My Department expressed the view that telecoms duct should be installed during, rather than after, major road construction and residential developments where practicable.

It is a matter for the Department of Transport to carry forward general proposals in this regard. However, in the light of recent market conditions and the rate of technology development, it is probably fair to assume that residential fixed wireline broadband will be delivered in the short to medium term over existing infrastructure, and that wireless technology will have a stronger role than previously envisaged in the delivery of residential broadband.