Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to provide broadband in areas of County Laois where it is currently unavailable. [9223/07]

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 independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. However, despite Government and private investment in broadband I am aware that there are still some parts of the country, including areas in County Laois where the private sector is unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. It is planned to address the question of availability of broadband to unserved areas via a new scheme which, when it is fully rolled out, will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband from houses and premises in these unserved areas are met. A Steering Group comprising officials from my Department and ComReg is currently considering all elements of the proposed scheme and work on the design of an appropriate tender is underway. Indicative maps are being prepared to help inform the tendering process.

My Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie gives full details of broadband availability in all areas, including Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), cable, fibre, satellite and fixed wireless. The website also lists prices of the various service levels on offer and contact details for each service provider.