Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 18: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the areas of the country which have, to date, benefited from the provision of broadband facilities; his proposals for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8356/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A total of 19 metropolitan area networks have been completed under the first phase of my Department's regional broadband programme and a further seven are under construction. These fibre optic trunk networks have been built in association with the local and regional authorities and are being managed for the State, allowing private sector telecommunications companies open access.

The second phase of the programme, which is now under way, will deliver high speed broadband infrastructure to more than 92 towns with a population of 1,500 and over that have not yet been provided with a satisfactory broadband service by the private sector. For smaller towns and rural communities, my Department offers the county and group broadband scheme, under which funding assistance is available to enable the provision of broadband for the community using the most suitable technology for that area.

In addition to these initiatives, my Department, in association with the Department of Education and Science and the industry, is delivering broadband connectivity to all primary and post-primary schools in the country by the end of 2005. Full details of these programmes are on my Department's website www.dcmnr.gov.ie.