Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the arrangements he has made for Ballyporeen, County Tipperary, to be provided with European economic recovery plan funding in view of the lack of broadband in the area; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many persons locally need broadband as a priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46404/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter in the first instance for private sector service providers operating in a liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).

In cases of market failure the Government will intervene, where it is appropriate and possible to do so. The National Broadband Scheme (NBS) represents such an intervention. Broadband services are now available throughout the entire NBS area.

However, despite Government and private investment in broadband, I am aware that there continues to be isolated cases of premises throughout the country that are not capable of receiving a broadband service. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (e.g., suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, or no 'line of sight' from the premises to the wireless base station).

The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives

Using this funding, which will be augmented by an Exchequer contribution, I intend, subject to Government approval, to formally announce the launch of a Rural Broadband Scheme before the end of the year. This scheme will aim to provide a basic broadband service to individual un-served rural premises outside of the NBS areas. Ballyporeen, County Tipperary, is not covered by the NBS and therefore any un-served premises in that locality will be eligible to apply under the scheme.

There will be a competitive process to engage a service provider who will offer a broadband service to qualified applicants under the scheme. While the exact details have yet to be finalised, I expect that the service offered under this scheme would at least match the service offered under the NBS and that the scheme will be fully rolled out by the end of 2012.

Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 307: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the management, maintenance and operation of phase two of the metropolitan area network programme in relation to towns (details supplied) since the management contract was awarded to a company in 2009; the benefits and advantages for the towns concerned in the past 12 months and into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46412/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The metropolitan area networks (MANs) are open access carrier neutral telecommunications infrastructure, which are available to all telecommunications service providers. They are being managed, maintained and operated by e|net. In relation to the MANs in County Meath, there are a number of service providers using the MANs in Clonee, Dunboyne and Navan. There are no service providers as yet utilising the MANs in Dunshaughlin and Kells. The existence of the MANs enhances the attractiveness of the various locations for indigenous and foreign investment.