Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

In March 2002 the Government gave approval for the design and construction of fibre optic metropolitan area networks, MANs, using Government and ERDF funding under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Phase One of this programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country, which were built on time and under budget. ENet the management services entity, is currently managing those completed networks.

In planning the second phase of the MANs programme, a review of the availability of DSL broadband in the regions showed that over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that did not have a broadband service by the private sector, and these towns were targeted for the provision of MANs under phase two.

The towns of Gorey, Enniscorthy and New Ross had DSL available and were not deemed to be the most needful for MANs infrastructure at that time. These towns are among the towns listed for phase three of the MANs project.

My Department is preparing a draft policy paper on next generation broadband networks which will consider the optimum role for Government in facilitating the roll-out of high speed broadband networks. I expect to publish the draft policy paper on next generation broadband networks for consultation early in the new year.

MANs that are under construction will proceed as planned. There are 66 phase two MANs that are either recently completed or under construction.

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