John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 631: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when service will be available from the Kiltimagh metropolitan area network; the obligations of a company (details supplied) as regards the delivery of service over the MAN's generally; the situation as regards the provision of backhaul; the costs of connection and the different levels of service to be made available; and if the company are not in a position to provide service over the Kiltimagh MAN by the end of 2007, if another management entity can be appointed which would include the local community development company and Mayo County Council. [24924/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, (ComReg). The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These include investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). The MANs constructed under Phase I of the MANs Programme, including Kiltimagh are complete and are fully open for business. They have been handed over to the Managed Services Entity, eNet, who manage, market, operate and maintain the networks on behalf of the State. Services available on these networks include, dark fibre, ducting and co-location facilities. I understand that connectivity to backhaul services would be available to operators using the MAN in this area from at least one backhaul provider.