Rory O'Hanlon
Ceist:76 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when an ADSL infrastructure will be available for the Armagh-Monaghan digital corridor; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Telecommunications Services.
The provision of telecommunications services, including ADSL, is a matter in the first instance for the companies who now operate in a fully liberalised market. My responsibility is for public policy in the sector within which these companies operate. The widest possible availability of competitive services has traditionally been an important objective of Irish telecommunications policy.
I have, in recent years, put in place a number of initiatives which seek to address gaps in communications infrastructure in Ireland, particularly those in rural areas. Those initiatives include the funding of extended communications networks under both the 1994 to 1999 national development plan and the 2000 to 2006 national development plan. Earlier this year I announced the first round of funding under the 2000 to 2006 national development plan. This funding of approximately 70 million euros will support a total investment of about 200 million euros in services providing broadband access around the country. County Monaghan will benefit from a number of these projects. The development of a new fibreoptic backbone on the ESB network will include Monaghan, as will a wireless local loop service being developed by Chorus. Both these network extensions are being part funded by the Government and, while they do not specifically include ADSL service, they do commit to providing broadband high-speed communications services using other technologies. Companies operating in the liberalised market are free to deliver services such as ADSL outside any contracts agreed with the Government under the national development plan and within the current regulatory framework.