The south-east region has benefited from telecommunications infrastructure investment under previous programmes under the National Development Plan 1994-1999, when EU Structural Funds helped to enhance the existing telecommunications trunk networks and upgrade cable networks in such towns as Carlow, Thurles, Clonmel and Kilkenny. Under the communications and e-commerce measure of the National Development Plan 2000-2006, approximately €200 million was allocated to telecommunications initiatives to leverage and accelerate investment in competitive advanced information and communications infrastructure and services. A first call for proposals was run in 2000 and on foot of submissions received, nine contracts were signed at the beginning of last year. The projects involved are scheduled to be completed by the end of next year and will entail an overall investment of €160 million in broadband leveraged from grant assistance of approximately €55 million.