Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the nature of contents and recommendations of the report commissioned to examine the possibility of the provision of broadband and modern telecommunications at the Black Valley, County Kerry and other similar locations suffering from a dearth of communications technology; if he will act on the recommendations contained in the report; when he expects such action to take place; when he expects associated works to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37106/06]

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. As regards the deployment of broadband infrastructure, 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.

The Kerry County Council and the South West Regional Authority published a Communications Infrastructure Study for the Black Water Region in July 2006. This Study recognises the importance of broadband infrastructure for the region. Despite Government investment in broadband through the regional broadband programme, there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. Options to address the gaps in broadband coverage are currently being considered.