Denis Naughten
Ceist:207 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the action she will take to improve accessibility to broadband telecommunications infrastructure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1806/02]
Written Answers. - Telecommunications Services.
Under the National Development Plan 1994-1999, 26.5 million was made available to support the roll-out of broadband to the regions. This figure has been significantly increased under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, to 200 million. The allocation of this funding is the responsibility of my Department. Funding under this communications and e-commerce measure of the NDP will be utilised to leverage and accelerate investment in competitive advanced information and communications infrastructure and services which will enhance the potential for the development of electronic commerce facilities and enable the electronic provision of public services, including education services, virtual libraries, welfare and health services.
Two thirds of the funding under this Measure is being made available in the Border, midland and west region. A competition has been run by my Department to allocate the first 98 million of the funding. The competition process was executed over the summer months, with a closing date of 22 September last. Given the liberalised nature of the telecommunications sector, the competition was run on the basis of public sector co-funding of network extensions to regional areas where it would not be commercially viable to do so at this point in time. The competition criteria specifically award points for the provision of services in deficit areas and the removal of regional barriers.
An extensive mail-out of information surrounded the call for proposals. All communications operators were informed of the possibilities presented by the competition for developing broadband networks in the BMW region. Business and community leaders throughout the BMW region in organisations such as chambers of commerce, local authorities and development agencies were also informed of the opportunities available through both the lobbying of and the developing of partnerships with telecommunications companies. A large number of project submissions from the Border, midlands and west region have been received. The submissions are currently being assessed and evaluated at arms length by independent consultants under the competition criteria.