Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 137: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he will make a decision on providing funding for a further phase of MANs; the way he will address the issue of whether the spending on the first phase of MANs has been effective as stated in the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5249/07]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 182: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way the €435 million allocated for the communications and broadband programme under the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013 will be spent; the amount of this that will be used for the 100% broadband enablement of the country; the other measures that will be initiated through this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5251/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 182 together.

Under the NDP 2000-2006 the Government addressed the broadband infrastructure deficit in the regions by part funding private sector infrastructure, by constructing State-owned, open access Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) in cities and towns nationwide in association with the local and regional authorities and by supporting the County and Group Broadband Schemes. I intend to use some of the funding secured under the current NDP 2007-2013 to complete phase two of the MANs programme.

The 27 Phase One networks are complete and open for business. They have been handed over to the Management Services Entity, eNet, who manage, market and maintain the networks on behalf of the State. My Department is currently undertaking a Value for Money and policy review on this phase. This review will help to inform my decisions on future investment in the Government's broadband infrastructure programme and on other initiatives of benefit to the communications sector.

I have also recently announced a new scheme which will aim to provide a broadband service to areas of the country that are not yet served by any broadband service provider, currently estimated to be 10-15% of the population. The scheme, when fully rolled out, will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband from houses and premises in rural areas are met. Indicative maps are being prepared to help inform the tendering process. It would not be appropriate to estimate the cost of this scheme as the services will be procured under a tendering process.