Joe Walsh
Question:276 Mr. Walsh asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if broadband will be rolled out to each of the towns in west Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3761/05]
View answerTuesday, 8 February 2005
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Under the second and third phases of my Department's regional broadband programme, high-speed, open-access broadband infrastructure is being provided in a further 94 towns countrywide in association with the local and regional authorities. My officials are in discussions with Cork County Council regarding the design and technical details for the broadband networks for Bantry and Skibbereen in west Cork. Dunmanway will be included in the next phase which I hope to announce shortly.
The county and group broadband scheme offers smaller towns and rural communities funding assistance towards provision of broadband in their own areas in association with the service providers. Up to 55% funding on capital costs is available under the scheme for projects in west Cork. To date, no community from west Cork has drawn on the available funding. To improve take-up, my Department is establishing a GBS co-ordinator in the south west regional authority, which covers Cork and Kerry, with the aims of promoting the CGBS initiative and providing advice to communities on how to secure funding under the scheme. The co-ordinator will be appointed by mid-February.