Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2004
172 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the necessary investment package will be available to allow broadband to be supplied to the towns of Clones, Ballybay and Castleblayney in County Monaghan; his views on whether broadband is essential if these towns are to attract inward investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32813/04]
View answerThe provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by ComReg, the Commission for Communications Regulation. Unfortunately the market has been slow to invest in the necessary infrastructure that will enable the provision of services in all areas. The importance of broadband cannot be understated, and the widespread availability of broadband infrastructure and services is a significant aim of the Government and my Department.
To help in achieving this aim, a number of initiatives have been put in place for infrastructure investments that will facilitate the provision of services by the sector. Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 an indicative €200 million of Government and ERDF funding is being invested, in association with the local and regional authorities, in the creation of high-speed broadband networks and fibre trunks. These facilities will remain in State ownership while allowing the service providers open access at competitive costs.
The first phase of my Department's regional broadband programme, in which metropolitan area networks, MANs, are being built in 26 towns and cities, including Carrickmacross and Monaghan town, is now nearing completion. In the second phase of the programme MANs will be built in a further 92 towns of 1,500 population and over, in association with the local authorities. Calls for proposals have issued to the local authorities in respect of the first group of these towns, including Clones and Castleblayney, and the proposals are now being assessed.
For rural communities and smaller towns such as Ballybay, my Department's group broadband scheme offers funding assistance for community groups to come together with the service providers and obtain broadband connectivity for their area using the most appropriate delivery system, such as satellite, wireless, DSL or cable. Up to 55% funding is available towards capital costs under the scheme. Full details of the regional broadband programme and the group broadband scheme are on my Department's websites www.dcmnr.gov.ie and www.gbs.gov.ie .
