Brian O'Shea
Question:272 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress to date on the west coast digital corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21349/03]
Written Answers. - Telecommunications Services.
In the final year of the National Development Plan 1994 to 1999 and INTERREG II, the Government made €26 million available to support the rollout of broadband to the regions under the Economic Infrastructure Operational Programme, EIOP. Thirteen projects were supported, which rolled out broadband nationwide, and total investment in these projects amounted to approximately €69 million. Nine of the projects entailed the rollout of broadband services in the western counties.
A contract was awarded to Ocean Communications Limited in November 1999 for the infrastructure works known as the western digital corridor, which consists of a fibre optic trunk linking Dublin with Athlone, Galway, Ennis and Limerick. Ocean became a subsidiary within the Esat group and construction was completed by Esat within the technical specifications, providing STM-16 standards, 2.48 gigabit-second. The total grant paid in respect of this project was €6 million.