Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action he is taking to expand the accessibility of broadband outside urban centres in provincial Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2213/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

The Government set aside an indicative €200 million under the NDP 2000-06 for broadband infrastructure investment that will, in turn, enable the provision of broadband services regionally by the private sector.

The first phase of my Department's regional broadband programme, in which metropolitan area networks, MANs, are being built in 26 towns and cities is now nearing completion. In the second phase of the programme MANs will be built in a further 92 towns of 1,500 population and over, in association with the local authorities.

For rural communities and towns with a population of less than 1,500 people, my Department's group broadband scheme offers funding assistance for community groups to come together with the service providers and obtain broadband connectivity for their area using the most appropriate delivery system, such as satellite, wireless, DSL or cable. Up to 55% funding is available towards capital costs under the scheme. The current phase of the group broadband scheme is due to close on March 31 2005.

The most recent figures from ComReg indicate that there are now more than 125,000 broadband customers in Ireland and the figure is rising by 30% per quarter. The infrastructure roll-out has enhanced the sector's offerings of broadband in all areas using a variety of delivery platforms.

Full details of the regional broadband programme can be found on my Department's website www.dcmnr.gov.ie. Details of broadband product offerings in various parts of the country can be found at www.broadband.gov.ie.