Joe Walsh (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 338: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he intends to roll-out the metropolitan area network to a town (details supplied) in County Cork. [25944/06]

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.

In planning the second phase 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 Two of the MANs Programme. A number of regional towns 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. Clonakilty is not 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 currently available in Clonakilty. My Department's sponsored website www.broadband.gov.ie, which facilitates consumers trying to locate broadband service providers in their area, lists thirteen internet service providers offering broadband on Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), two companies offering it via wireless and eleven satellite broadband providers.