Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the routes which are available for people in areas (details supplied) to access broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31308/06]

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. There are many areas of the country where, for demographic or other reasons, the private sector has been slow to respond to demand for broadband. In cases where the market is seen to have failed, my Department is addressing the investment shortfall in infrastructure using a combination of Government and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding through the Regional Broadband Programme.

My Department operates a dedicated website, www.broadband.gov.ie where potential broadband customers can ascertain the availability of services in their area. According to information provided by broadband service providers, DSL is available in the Burt and Greencastle areas and satellite is available in all three areas in question.

I recognise there are some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. I am currently examining options to address the delivery of competitively priced broadband services to these areas and I expect to be in a position to bring proposals to Government shortly.

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of communities which are on the waiting list for the next phase of the group broadband scheme; when resources will be allocated to allow these schemes to proceed; the timescale for the expansion of the broadband network to include a scheme (details supplied) in County Westmeath currently waiting approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31309/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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No applications have been submitted or received for grant funding under the group broadband scheme since the previous phase of the scheme closed. Accordingly, a waiting list of interested potential applicants has not been maintained. However those who have made enquiries have been informed that any further developments in relation to the scheme will be publicly announced in order to ensure the widest possible circulation.