Simon Coveney
Ceist:830 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress being made in rolling out a DSL broadband infrastructure here. [17065/02]
Written Answers. - Broadband Technology.
The provision of communications infrastructure and services, including DSL broadband, is a matter for the private sector companies that operate in the fully liberalised telecommunications market. However, recognising that there are areas of the country that are not as economically attractive for firms to invest in infrastructure and services, my Department has undertaken a number of initiatives to facilitate the rollout of advanced communications infrastructure, including DSL, which seek to address gaps in communications infrastructure in regional Ireland.
Under the first call under the communications measure of the NDP 2000-2006, my Department will fund Esat-BT with up to €9 million to roll out a €25 million DSL programme at 40 centres outside of the Dublin area by the end of the year. Under the second call, €3.7 million has been made available to Eircom in respect of DSL rollout at 14 exchanges nationwide. In addition, I am also aware that Eircom are rolling out DSL at 32 centres in the greater Dublin area.
Question No. 831 answered with Question No. 819.