Joe Walsh (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to further roll-out the metropolitan area network to additional towns throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16464/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of broadband facilities is a matter in the first instance for the private sector telecommunications companies operating in a fully liberalised market. A number of factors determine where and when broadband services are offered in any area, including the potential number of customers, the level of investment required and so on. My Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit, in co-operation with the local and regional authorities. The programme is building high-speed open access broadband networks in almost 120 cities and towns that will be used by the private sector companies to offer services at competitive prices.

My Department is in close contact with the local and regional authorities, in association with whom the regional broadband programme is rolling out metropolitan area networks in 120 towns and cities. An indicative €200 million is being made available from Government and European regional development fund funds under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 for the development of suitable broadband infrastructure that will enable the provision of services in all areas by the private sector.

Close and continuous contact is also maintained with the telecommunications sector, through the Telecommunications and Internet Federation, the Alternative Licensed Telecoms Operators and with individual service providers, regarding broadband developments. My Department and I also work closely with regional development agencies, relevant Departments, chambers of commerce and other sectoral interests.