Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 April 2004
14 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps that he intends to take to ensure that Ireland’s telecommunications and broadband structures are brought up to date, particularly having regard to reports of serious problems and under-investment in the Eircom network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10213/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra23 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will be launching a national broadband strategy as a follow-up to his broadband action plan of December 2003; and if so, when. [10185/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra31 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans he has to address the infrastructural shortfall in the last mile of our telecommunications network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10181/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra38 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will mandate local and regional authorities to include a telecommunications and broadband section in all new development plans to be approved in the future. [10186/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 23, 31 and 38 together.
The provision of and investment in telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised marketplace, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Eircom operates in this regulatory environment. However, recognising that the market has been slow to respond to demand for broadband, an indicative €200 million in Government and ERDF funding was set aside under the NDP 2000-2006 for regional broadband investment.
Since 1999 my Department has invested almost €170 million in regional broadband projects, in partnership with private sector companies, including Eircom. Currently my Department is grant aiding the construction of 19 fibre optic metropolitan area networks, in conjunction with local authorities, in key regional towns and cities. This investment of €65 million will enable the delivery of competitive, open access, broadband services in these towns. On 12 December last I announced a broadband action plan. This plan aims to roll out open access broadband infrastructure to over 90 towns with a population of over 1,500.
In addition, a group broadband scheme will enable smaller communities to pool their broadband demand and secure high-speed connectivity from a range of service providers. This group scheme will be supported by grant-aid of up to 50% from the Government. Furthermore, I have secured a commitment of €35 million each year from now until 2007 for the broadband action plan.
While the inclusion of telecommunications in local and regional authorities' development plans is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, our Departments are in consultation on the matter.
Recent figures released by ComReg show the dramatic increase in the take-up of broadband in Ireland in the past year. Ireland can also boast increased Internet penetration levels, with over 60,000 customers accessing the Internet though flat rate packages offered by Internet service providers.
There are now about 40,000 DSL subscribers nationally, compared with 1,000 in March 2003, and the number is increasing every month. Ireland also has, at 30%, one of the highest digital TV penetration rates in Europe.
