Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the applications for group broadband schemes received in the first phase of funding in County Westmeath; the schemes approved for grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42660/06]

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 331: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the applications for group broadband schemes received in the first phase of funding in County Longford; the schemes approved for grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42661/06]

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 332: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the applications for group broadband schemes received in the second phase of funding in County Westmeath; the schemes approved for grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42662/06]

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 333: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the applications for group broadband schemes received in the second phase of funding in County Longford; the schemes approved for grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42663/06]

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 334: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when phase two of the group broadband schemes closed to new entrants; the reason there is a delay in claiming the full grants from phase two; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42664/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 330 to 334, inclusive, together.

The closing date for receipt of applications under the second call of the group broadband scheme was end of April 2005. There are currently no delays in processing fully complete claims for grant aid under either the first or second call of the scheme. Full details of projects approved under the scheme are published on my Department's website at www.gbs.gov.ie

Regarding Counties Westmeath and Longford in particular, the following projects were approved for these areas.

First Call — Granard, Co. Longford and Kilbeggan, Kinnegad and Rochfortbridge, Co. Westmeath.

Second Call — Ballymahon, Edgesworthtown, Keenagh, Drumlish, Ballinalee and Killoe, Co. Longford and Castlepollard, Coole, Clonmellan and district, Moate town centre and hinterland, Rathowen, Streete, Ballinalack and Ballinacargy, Co. Westmeath.

I am aware of the importance of the roll out of broadband in rural areas and smaller communities. Ultimately, my aim is to ensure that the most effective and efficient mechanisms are put in place to assist in the roll out of broadband nationally as quickly as possible. Options for the delivery of nationwide broadband are currently being considered by a Steering Group comprising officials from my Department and representatives from ComReg. I expect to finalise proposals shortly.