John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 159: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the areas in County Sligo which have broadband facilities in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12781/06]

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

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 Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, the independent regulator.

It has been clear for some time that the sector has failed to invest at the level necessary to keep pace with the demand for broadband. For this reason, my Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high speed fibre based broadband networks in association with the local and regional authorities in the major towns and cities. These metropolitan area networks — MANs — are open access fibre based trunk networks which will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs. Nineteen MANs are now completed and a further six are under construction, including the Sligo town MAN.

My Department also administers a group broadband scheme which delivers broadband to many under-served areas. Under this scheme, broadband projects have been approved for Rosses Point, Strandhill, Ballygawley and Collooney in County Sligo. These schemes are now operational and providing broadband service. My Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie, gives full details of broadband availability in all areas, including ADSL, cable, fibre, satellite and fixed wireless. The website also lists prices of the various service levels on offer and contact details for each service provider.