Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2005
197 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in relation to broadband for Ashford, County Wicklow; if it will be rolled out as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14973/05]
View answer198 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in relation to broadband for Dunlavin, County Wicklow; if it will be rolled out as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14974/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.
The provision of broadband facilities is a matter for private telecommunications companies, which operate in a fully liberalised market. A number of factors, including the potential number of customers and the required level of investment, determine where and when broadband services are offered. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources administers the county and group broadband scheme, under which grant aid of up to 55% of set-up costs is available. The programme is driven by the broadband needs of the community. It addresses those needs by funding the most appropriate broadband technology for each application. Under the second call of the county and group broadband scheme, two applications have been received from County Wicklow. The projects relate to north-east Wicklow, which includes Ashford, and Carnew.
