Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 365: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the profile of the broadband roll-out across the counties of Cavan and Monaghan; the plans for its further roll-out; the impediments that exist to its universal roll-out across these Border counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41524/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of telecommunications services, including wired broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

There are a number of platforms for delivery of broadband, my Department operates a dedicated website, www.broadband.gov.ie where potential broadband customers can ascertain the availability of services in their area.

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 the first phase and are currently being managed by ENet, the Management Services Entity. The second phase extends the programme to over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and above that do not have a satisfactory broadband offering from the private sector.

The Department also offered funding assistance for smaller towns and rural communities through the Group Broadband Scheme. The scheme is technology-neutral, allowing the community to select the most suitable broadband delivery platform for the area. To date, over 160 projects have been approved for funding under this Programme. The most recent phase of the group broadband scheme, which provides grant aid for the installation of broadband in rural areas, has closed. However, the nature of the scheme is currently being reviewed in the context of options being considered for the achievement of nationwide broadband.

The following projects were approved under the Department's Group Broadband Scheme to advance broadband roll-out for the counties of Cavan and Monaghan.

Under the Metropolitan Areas Networks (MANs) the following towns and cities have received broadband infrastructure: Cootehill, Baileborough, Clones, Castleblayney.

Despite private and public investment in broadband infrastructure 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 these gaps in broadband coverage are currently being considered by a Steering Group comprising officials from my Department and representatives from ComReg.

I expect to finalise proposals shortly.