Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2004
177 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether information and communications technologies afford the Government an opportunity to redress a generation of neglect and marginalisation with regard to infrastructure, investment and social inclusion on the Inishowen peninsula. [10318/04]
View answer178 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether broadband access for communities and actual and potential investors can contribute significantly to overcoming the marginalisation and impoverishment of people living on the Inishowen peninsula. [10319/04]
View answer179 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will set out a precise schedule for the provision of an efficient network capable of bringing broadband to domestic and business consumers in Inishowen. [10320/04]
View answer180 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department will conduct an economic risk assessment for Inishowen, measuring the negative economic impact, for example, investment disincentive, of further delays in delivering broadband to Inishowen. [10321/04]
View answer181 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the regional broadband investment initiative will be rolled out in Inishowen. [10322/04]
View answer182 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the current state of Eircom’s telephone infrastructure and carrying capacity for broadband in Inishowen. [10323/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 177 to 182, inclusive, together.
The provision of and investment in telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised marketplace, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.
Recognising, however, that the market has been slow to respond to demand for broadband, an indicative €200 million in Government and ERDF funding was set aside under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 for regional broadband investment.
Since 1999 my Department has invested almost €170 million in regional broadband projects, in partnership with private sector companies. These projects include the ESB Telecom national fibre backbone, which extends to Buncrana, and also the Eircom regional fibre project and the Letterkenny MAN, both in Donegal.
Currently, my Department is grant aiding the construction of 19 fibre optic metropolitan area networks, in conjunction with local authorities, in key regional towns and cities. This investment of €65 million will enable the delivery of competitive, open access broadband services in these towns.
On 12 December last I announced a broadband action plan. This plan aims to roll out open access broadband infrastructure to over 90 towns with a population of over 1,500, including Carndonagh and Buncrana. In addition, a group broadband scheme will enable smaller communities to pool their broadband demand and secure high-speed connectivity from a range of service providers. This group scheme will be supported by grant-aid of up to 50% from the Government.
Furthermore, I have secured a commitment of €35 million each year from now until 2007 for the broadband action plan.
