Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in relation to broadband for the Killerig Cross, Ballyhackett area, Tullow, County Carlow; if this can be rolled out as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7216/08]

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, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. There are a number of platforms for delivery of broadband, and the service providers are now offering broadband by wireless, satellite, fibre or standard telephone cable and more recently, by mobile 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.

Those parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services will be addressed by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). I hope to be in a position to appoint a service provider to implement the scheme by the middle of this year.