Gerard Murphy
Question:167 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the timetable for broadband roll-out in all counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22106/03]
Vol. 571 No. 4
167 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the timetable for broadband roll-out in all counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22106/03]
The provision of communications infrastructure and services is a matter for the private sector companies that operate in the fully liberalised telecommunications market, with reference to the direction and supervision of the Commission for Communications Regulation.
Currently, a basic telephone connection allows normal speed dial-up to the Internet in any area. Higher rates of access, such as those provided by digital subscriber lines, wireless, fibre optic or satellite-based systems, are available on the market from a number of licensed telecommunications service providers. A full list of providers is available from the commission's office, Irish Life Mall, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1 or from the website http://www.comreg.ieTo accelerate the delivery of faster and cheaper communications services throughout the country by the private sector, my Department has run a number of programmes of targeted intervention in recent years. These programmes have been designed following consultation and support from the various development agencies such as the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Shannon Development and Údarás na Gaeltachta.
In 1999, under the National Development Plan 1994-1999 and INTERREG II, €26.5 million was made available to support the roll-out of broadband to the regions. Thirteen projects to a total value of €70 million were supported.