Michael Collins
Question:972 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when it is expected that broadband will be provided in the town of Croom, County Limerick. [1141/07]
View answerWednesday, 31 January 2007
Questions (895, 896, 897)
Michael Collins
Question:1007 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when broadband will be available in Patrickswell, Crecora, Croom and Tournafulla, County Limerick in view of the fact that business and industry are being placed at a competitive disadvantage due to the non-delivery of broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2151/07]
View answerMichael Collins
Question:1021 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when it is envisaged that broadband will be available in the townlands of Bruff and Granagh, County Limerick. [2875/07]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 972, 1007 and 1021 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).
My priority remains that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country and accordingly I recently announced my intention to introduce a scheme to ensure broadband is available throughout Ireland. This Scheme, which will supersede the Group Broadband Scheme, will, when it is fully rolled out, ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband from houses and premises in rural areas are met. A Steering Group comprising officials from my Department and ComReg is currently considering all elements of the proposed scheme. This scheme will be confined to areas of the country that are not yet served by any broadband service provider, currently thought to be 10-15% of the population.
My Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie gives full details of broadband availability in all areas, including ADSL, cable, fibre, satellite and fixed wireless. The website also lists prices of the various service levels on offer and contact details for each service provider.