Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when Athy, County Kildare will be included in the metropolitan area network broadband programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32460/06]

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.

However, 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. My 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 the major towns and cities. These Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) will allow the private sector to offer world-class broadband services at competitive costs. The networks offer towns opportunities to attract inward investment in advanced technology and knowledge based enterprises.

Twenty-seven MANs have been completed under Phase One and are currently being managed by ENet, the Management Services Entity. In planning the second phase of the MANs programme, a review of the availability of broadband in the regions identified a number of towns with populations greater than 1,500 that were not being offered a broadband option by the private sector. Phase Two of the MANs Programme includes the towns of Clane, Kilcock, Kildare, Maynooth, Monasterevin, Newbridge, Rathangan, and Sallins in County Kildare.

A number of regional towns, including Athy, 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. Athy is not part of the current rollout but may be included in further phases subject to the necessary approvals and Exchequer funding being made available. Kildare County Council has submitted a case for a MAN to be built in Athy and this is being kept under review.