Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 335: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department will provide financial backing for Clare County Council's proposal to upgrade broadband facilities in Ennis; when he expects the project and similar projects in Shannon and Kilrush to get the go-ahead and become operational; the cost of the respective projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14438/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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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. The Department's regional broadband programme is addressing the infrastructure deficit by building high-speed, open access broadband networks, in association with the local and regional authorities.

In planning the current phase, phase 2, of the MANs programme, a review of the availability of DSL broadband in the regions showed that over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above were not being offered a broadband option by the private sector. These towns were selected for investment under phase 2 of the MANs programme. A number of regional towns, including Ennis and Shannon, already had DSL broadband on offer from the service providers, so priority was given to the provision of essential broadband infrastructure in those towns where none existed.

Kilrush will have MAN constructed under this phase. Project managers have been appointed and the detailed design stage is now under way. Construction is expected to start over the coming months. The estimated cost of the projects in Kilrush is €1.35 million and the Department will be providing grant aid of 90%. This network should be completed within 12-18 months. Neither Ennis nor Shannon is part of the current roll-out but may be included in further phases subject to the necessary approvals and Exchequer funding being made available.

Broadband is already available in Ennis and Shannon. The Department's sponsored website, www.broadband.gov.ie, which facilitates consumers trying to locate broadband service providers in their area, lists 12 internet service providers offering broadband on digital subscriber line, DSL, one company offering it via wireless and 11 satellite broadband providers.