Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

It was in the region of 65% in the past year, according to the latest figures. That is not as high as I would like it to be. Technology is changing rapidly. The MANs were a long-term investment in high quality open access infrastructure. My Department is preparing the final draft of a next generation networks paper for internal and then public discussion. Instead of fibre optic lines going through an exchange, these networks will involve lines going to a cabinet on a street to serve faster broadband speeds. It is far from certain which technologies will work and how they will interact with wireless and other technologies. We must continue to review the role of the MANs but they will have an important long-term role in providing a high quality open access fibre network.

Phase 3 of the MANs will involve a review of prioritisation of certain projects such as Shannon, an important industrial area, about which there is concern across the House, and we will respond to that need.

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