Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the grant aid which has been made available from his Department to Údarás na Gaeltachta for the provision of a broadband radio system for the Cois Fharraige area, south Connemara; when is it likely that the necessary equipment will be erected there to provide a signal for this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8649/06]

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans his Department has for the provision of broadband services in west Galway, particularly in Cois Fharraige; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8648/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 157 together.

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 independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Under the second phase of the group broadband scheme administered by my Department grant aid of up to €41,173 was awarded to service provider, COM 1, for the Cois Fharraige Business Broadband Service. Údarás na Gaeltachta is the local organisation supporting the scheme. I have been informed that the project is operational and customers have been connected.