Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 614: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of urban areas with more than 1,000 people without two megabytes of broadband connectivity available. [32167/07]

Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 615: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of urban areas with more than 500 people without two megabytes of broadband connectivity available. [32168/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 614 and 615 together.

The provision of broadband services is primarily a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).

There are a number of platforms for delivery of broadband, and service providers are now offering broadband by wireless, satellite, fibre or standard telephone cable in all areas of the country. My Department operates a dedicated website, www.broadband.gov.ie where potential broadband customers can ascertain the availability of services in their area.

ComReg is responsible for the compiling of statistics on broadband uptake. I understand that these statistics are collected on a national basis only. Details are available on www.comreg.ie.

The Central Statistics Office collected data on the uptake of broadband at local authority level in the 2006 census. This information is available at www.cso.ie/census.