Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 3

Written Answers. - Telecommunications Infrastructure.

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

56 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the investment proposals, if any, in progress or planned to upgrade the telecommunications infrastructure in the Border region; if so, the projects that will be assisted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22678/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

Since the liberalisation of the market for the provision of telecommunications infrastructure in July of last year, investment in telecommunications infrastructure has risen at a rapid rate. It has been estimated that investment this year will be around the £500 million mark which represents a very substantial increase over recent years.

While investment projects being carried out in the market are a matter for the operators involved, I understand that a number of companies, most particularly Telecom Éireann, Ocean, NTL and Esat Telecom; have plans for significant investment in the Border region. In addition, earlier this year I announced the provision of 22.5 MECU in EU funding, under the EIOP and INTERREG programmes, for investment in telecommunications infrastructure and the development of the information society. The Deputy will be aware that the INTERREG programme is designed specifically to support cross-Border investment. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement of funding proposals in the next few weeks.