Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

The Minister and I were happy to listen to Senator Bannon's remarks which provided us with an opportunity to outline the achievements and progress to date of the NDP in the BMW region. The Government remains committed to the vision of bringing competitiveness and economic success to the State through the current NDP. The size and ambition of the plan signalled unparalleled investment in the development of the country. The investment of over €57 billion of public, private and EU funds over the period 2000-06 is on track and provides the foundation for further investment in the next planning period.

The Minister has put on record a select list of achievements delivered by the NDP in the BMW region. These include more and better jobs, improved roads and public transport, housing, child care and public infrastructure. People throughout the State have experienced real improvements in their lives thanks to the unprecedented investment by the Government in the future. These successes should not be diminished by focussing on what remains to be accomplished in the BMW region under this plan. National development planning and investment is an ongoing process and investment to achieve more balanced regional development is a key Government priority.

The Government has already announced its intention to have a successor to the current NDP to build on the current plan and to set out a blueprint for investment in the period to 2013. The new NDP will seek to address the investment necessary to maintain national competitiveness within a sustainable economic and budgetary framework. Funding for the new NDP will come from the Exchequer. A solid financial framework for capital investment is already in place through the multiannual capital envelope system introduced in budget 2004. Senator John Paul Phelan suggested having a Minister responsible for spending under the NDP. He is a little late with his suggestion as the Minister for Finance fulfils this role very well.

A number of Senators have raised the issue of broadband, which I agree is of great importance. There have been significant developments in 2005 in the Irish broadband market, including substantial growth in its use, from 63,000 connections in the second quarter of 2004 to 175,000 connections in the second quarter of 2005. Prices have fallen and progress continues on the metropolitan area networks and the county and group broadband schemes. By the end of 2005 total public expenditure on broadband in the BMW region was €70.1 million. By the end of 2006 a further €10 million is expected to be spent.

Design and procurement for phase 2 of the metropolitan area networks programme is well advanced in all regions. Construction will commence in the second quarter of 2006 on new networks in counties Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Mayo and Galway. A third call for projects will be announced shortly under the county and group broadband scheme.