Skip to main content
Normal View

Telecommunications Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004

Tuesday, 24 February 2004

Questions (88, 89)

Joe Sherlock

Question:

176 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the tendering process for the MSE to manage the MANs project and on the likely development of the management of the metropolitan area networks over the next three to five years and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5870/04]

View answer

Written answers

The Management Services Entity, MSE, is the independent body, which will be engaged to manage, market and maintain the fibre optic metropolitan area networks, MANs, currently being constructed under the regional broadband programme.

It is intended that the MSE will be awarded a services concession contract for a period of ten years, in consideration of a financial return to the State. The MSE will offer open access to the MANs, for example, optical fibre, subducts and co-location space, on a carrier neutral basis. It is envisaged that telecommunications companies will lease capacity on the MANs from the MSE and offer broadband and related services to the public.

Notice of my Department's intention to commence a competitive tender process for the engagement of an MSE was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 19 June 2003.

Responses received by the tender deadline of 15 August 2003 have been evaluated, and it is anticipated that the MSE procurement process, as outlined in the instructions to tender document which issued on 19 June 2003, will reach conclusion shortly.

Damien English

Question:

177 Mr. English asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if broadband and IT strategies will be part of all future county and city development plans at local authority level. [5835/04]

View answer
Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern) The question of county and city development plans is a matter for the local authorities and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Top
Share