Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 298: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will carry out an urgent audit of the MANs; if he will sanction further funding for phase two or three of the MANs without a comprehensive review of the cost and effectiveness of the MANs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19483/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The metropolitan area networks (MANs) constructed under phase I of the MANs Programme are complete and open for business. They have been handed over to the managed services entity, eNet, who manage, market, operate and maintain Phase 1 of the networks on behalf of the State.

Phase II of the MANs Programme, which involves the construction of about 90 networks is well advanced. A number of MANs are currently under construction and the remainder are in the detailed design stage.

My Department is currently undertaking a value for money and policy review on phase I. The review is being carried out in close co-operation with the Department of Finance. This review, along with other policy analysis being undertaken at present, will help to inform my decisions on future investment in broadband infrastructure.