Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 360: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if any initiatives are being planned with regard to the MANS network and other similar backhaul infrastructures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32439/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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In phase 1 of the metropolitan area networks, MANs, programme, 19 networks were completed and handed over to e-Net, the company that holds the services concession contract to manage, maintain and market the MANs. A further seven MANs are nearing completion.

In phase 2 of the MANs programme, 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above have been identified as lacking an adequate broadband provision by the private sector, and MANs will be built in each of these in association with the local and regional authorities during 2006 and 2007. Detailed discussions are currently under way with the planning and engineering divisions of the local authorities.

My Department continually reviews all aspects of the MANs programme, including the provision of backhaul for the MANs.