Vol. 541 No. 2
242 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if there has been a major slow down in the further development of the telephone network here leading to a substantial cutback in orders for telecommunication equipment; if this approach is in accordance with national policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21819/01]
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter in the first instance for the companies which now operate in a fully liberalised market. My responsibility is for public policy in the sector within which these companies operate.
Recently published data indicate a slow down in the rate of growth of Irish telecommunications in the 12 month period to end June. This is being driven in large measure by a global slow down in telecommunications. I have in recent years, put in place a number of initiatives under national policy, which seek to address gaps in communications infrastructure in Ireland, particularly by bringing broadband connectivity to regional and rural areas.
Under the National Development Plan, 1994-1999, 26 million was made available to support the roll-out of broadband to the regions. Some 13 projects which rolled-out broadband nationwide were supported and are now nearing completion.
Under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, the figure allocated to telecommunications initiatives has been significantly increased to 200 million. A first call for proposals was run last year and on foot of submissions received I signed nine contracts at the beginning of the year which will result in additional investment in the regions in broadband infrastructure.
At the beginning of August this year I announced the second call for proposals. The deadline for receipt of proposals is 19 October. Some 55 million is available to promote the investment in communications infrastructure. Three programme lines are supported under the present invitation to tender, these are: (1) commercial broadband roll-outs; (2) commercial DSL roll-out; (3) public projects with economic development and social objectives. Details of these programmes are available at www.ndpcomms.gov.ie.
I have recently invited expressions of interest in building, financing and operating the Atlantic broadband corridor network. This network is designed to operate as a fibre optic, carriers carrier infrastructure to support development of the north-western, western and south-western regions generally.
Expressions of interest will be sought from the home and international markets. The responses to that invitation will give me a fuller indication of cost, scale time-line and so forth. This information will form the basis of any final proposals I will bring on the matter to Government.
