Vol. 561 No. 4
329 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason Ennis is not included on the list for broadband technology in the near future, given its hub status in the national spatial strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4802/03]
Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, up to €90 million of funding from European regional development funds and from Government funds would be made available for broadband infrastructure projects that would leverage total investment of up to €180 million. For the first time, a strand of funding was made available for public bodies, and up to 90% funding could be claimed for eligible public sector project costs.
In July 2001, tenders were invited from private and public bodies wishing to draw down funding. Notices were placed in the national press and the Official Journal of the European Community. Local authorities were all notified directly by post. All members of the Oireachtas were notified directly, as were chambers of commerce, all county enterprise boards, IBEC, leader groups and development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA and Forfás, who organised a series of workshops around the country. Closing date for receipt of tenders was 19 October 2001. Following evaluation of the tenders, 19 towns were selected for the construction of metropolitan area networks. No tender was submitted by Ennis Urban District Council or by Clare County Council.
