Vol. 557 No. 4
129 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason there has been a delay in the allocation of funding for pilot projects in the area of wireless broadband provision; the funds he is making available for this purpose; and when these funds will be allocated. [22425/02]
Last August my Department issued a call for proposal for the trialling of wireless technology for the provision of broadband access. While the closing date was initially the end of August this was extended to mid September. This call generated considerable interest and 29 applications were received by the September deadline. As I indicated to the Deputy in a previous reply, five of the submissions have been short listed. These are being considered at present and meetings are being held with the respective applicants. The Department is about to enter contractual negotiations with the short-listed parties. Following agreement on contract, I will make an announcement on the successful applicants. I hope to be in a position to do so in December.
