Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2006
153 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the grant aid which has been made available from his Department to Údarás na Gaeltachta for the provision of a broadband radio system for the Cois Fharraige area, south Connemara; when is it likely that the necessary equipment will be erected there to provide a signal for this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8649/06]
View answer157 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans his Department has for the provision of broadband services in west Galway, particularly in Cois Fharraige; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8648/06]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 157 together.
The 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 the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Under the second phase of the group broadband scheme administered by my Department grant aid of up to €41,173 was awarded to service provider, COM 1, for the Cois Fharraige Business Broadband Service. Údarás na Gaeltachta is the local organisation supporting the scheme. I have been informed that the project is operational and customers have been connected.
