Telecommunications Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 May 2006

Wednesday, 3 May 2006

Questions (210)

Billy Timmins

Question:

262 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in relation to access to broadband in Boleynass, County Wicklow (details supplied); when it will be available; the body which is responsible for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16326/06]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

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).

My Department administers a group broadband scheme which is designed to promote the roll-out of broadband access through the establishment of sustainable broadband services in towns, villages, rural hinterlands and under-served areas of larger towns on the basis of local and regional authority coordination and community driven initiatives.

The most recent call for proposals has now closed and I will be considering making a further call shortly.