John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am glad to make a brief contribution to this debate and thank Deputy Coveney for highlighting the issue. All of the relevant figures have been given over the last two nights with regard to speed, availability and quality, so I will not re-hash that information now. The one common factor running through all of that information, however, is the fact that we are very much in the relegation zone and there is only one way we can go.

We all agree that broadband, if it were available in all parts of the country to all of the population, would transform our economy. It would be a particular advantage in rural Ireland, especially in peripheral areas because it would give such areas a chance to compete successfully with the core regions which have superior physical infrastructure and easier access. In the west of Ireland, and Mayo in particular, we do not have motorways, the DART, the Luas, or the metro but broadband is one piece of technology that could even the playing field somewhat. It should be a major vehicle for balanced regional development, allowing individuals and businesses to operate successfully in peripheral areas. People could have the benefits of rural life, away from gridlock and traffic jams. It would also breathe life into rural landscapes, which have lost their post offices, local shops and pubs. Every job in a disadvantaged area is worth ten in the large cities.

Sadly, the same deficit exists as with the physical infrastructure. One constant issue in my constituency of Mayo is the unavailability of broadband. I could give numerous examples, but a number of recent contacts will illustrate the point. I was contacted last week by a constituent from a small village, Toureen, County Mayo, which was one of the villages identified for broadband under the broadband rural scheme in 2005. However, the town is still waiting. Eircom told this constituent last week that broadband is not available and is not in line to be installed in the village. What makes it more frustrating is that the towns on each side of Toureen have broadband, but the village and its surrounds have no such access. Recently, the same village lost its post office and shop.

Broadband is an essential part of business, large and small craft industry and rural life. My constituent came from England to set up a business in Mayo to get the benefits of rural life. She has no broadband availability and would need to pay €2,900 per annum for a satellite connection even though she was paying £9.99 per month in England.

Another difficulty is that some of the initial Government-funded metropolitan area networks do not have fibre-based backhaul and, as such, are not in a position to be made active. Kiltimagh in County Mayo and Carrickmacross and Gweedore in County Donegal are examples. Ireland West Airport, Knock is also waiting. What is needed is Government intervention through the provision of the necessary fibre infrastructure. It makes no sense to allow the infrastructure provided using taxpayers' money to remain idle for the want of the additional component, which should have been provided at the same time as the MAN. I commend the motion to the House.

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