Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if it is anticipated that a town (details supplied) in County Galway will be included in the next roll-out of the MANs programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24497/06]

Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)
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Question 291: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a broadband service will be provided to a town (details supplied) in County Galway; the timeframe for the delivery of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24498/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 290 and 291 together.

In planning the second phase of the Metropolitan Area Network (MANs) programme, a review of the availability of DSL broadband in the regions showed over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that were not being offered a broadband option by the private sector, and these towns were targeted for the provision of MANs under Phase Two of the programme.

The Census of 2002 on which the population figures were based, shows that at the last census Headford had a population of 703. For smaller towns and communities such as Headford financial assistance is available under my Department's Group Broadband Scheme, which enables local community groups in smaller towns and rural areas to come together on a cooperative basis with the service providers and obtain broadband for their area using the most suitable technology. I expect to launch further schemes of this nature shortly.