Joe Walsh (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 226: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he intends to take to roll-out the metropolitan area network to additional towns throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26978/05]

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

The Government is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high-speed open access metropolitan area networks, MANs, in 120 towns and cities nationwide, on a phased basis in association with the local and regional authorities. Phase one of this programme has delivered fibre optic networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country which were built on time and under budget. This programme has been extended to a further 90 towns in various locations nationwide. Design and procurement has already commenced in several regions and construction is due to start early in 2006. It is expected that these MANs will be completed during 2006 and 2007.

My Department also offers funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities to become self-sufficient in broadband through the county and group broadband scheme. To date, over 150 projects have been approved for funding under this programme. Full details of the regional broadband programme can be found on my Department's website www.dcmnr.gov.ie.