Joe Walsh
Ceist:372 Mr. Walsh asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to roll-out the MANS programme to Clonakilty, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7761/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 27 February 2007
Ceisteanna (312, 313, 314, 315)
Freagraí scríofa
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the independent regulator. However, it has been clear for some time that the sector has failed to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for broadband. My Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high-speed open access broadband networks, in association with the local and regional authorities, in the major towns and cities. These Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs. The networks offer towns opportunities to attract inward investment in advanced technology and knowledge based enterprises.
Twenty-seven MANs have been completed under Phase One and are currently being managed by ENet, the Management Services Entity. The second phase of the MANs programme included a number of towns with populations greater than 1,500 that were not being offered a broadband option by the private sector. Although Clonakilty is not part of the current rollout it may be included in further phases subject to the necessary approvals and Exchequer funding being made available.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:373 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the situation pertaining to group broadband schemes for areas (details supplied) in County Westmeath; the grant schemes in place for these groups; when these schemes will be approved; if these schemes are on approved waiting lists; when are they expected to be connected to broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7782/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaul McGrath
Ceist:374 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the situation pertaining to group broadband schemes for areas (details supplied) in County Westmeath; the grant schemes in place for these groups; when these schemes will be approved; if these schemes are on approved waiting lists; when are they expected to be connected to broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7783/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaul McGrath
Ceist:375 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the situation pertaining to group broadband schemes for areas (details supplied) in County Westmeath; the grant schemes in place for these groups; when these schemes will be approved; if these schemes are on approved waiting lists; when are they expected to be connected to broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7784/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 373 to 375, inclusive, together.
The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.
In relation to Castletown Geoghegan, Multyfarnham and Milltownpass, Co. Westmeath, no applications have been received for grant funding under the Group Broadband Scheme (GBS). However, I am aware of the importance of the roll out of broadband in rural areas and smaller communities. It is my intention to expedite the rollout of broadband coverage as quickly as possible. The GBS will now be superseded by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) which, when it is fully rolled out, will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband from houses and premises in unsecured rural areas are met.
My Department's website My Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie gives full details of broadband availability in all areas, including ADSL, cable, fibre, satellite and fixed wireless. The website also lists prices of the various service levels on offer and contact details for each service provider.