Written answers
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
Telecommunications Services
9:00 pm
Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 145: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the broadband situation in each of the counties of Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim and Donegal; his views on the fact that many areas, including quite significant business structures, still cannot avail of a proper service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36906/08]
Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers. 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 included providing grant-aid under the now concluded Group Broadband Scheme (GBS) and ongoing investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).
Under the Group Broadband Scheme the following projects were approved in respect of the counties specified:
| Cavan: | Lough Gawna, Ballyjamesduff/Kilnaleck, Butlersbridge, Ballyhaise, Belturbet and Ballyconnell. |
| Monaghan: | Carrickmacross, Donaghmoy, Lisdoonan, Iniskeen, Corcaghan and Ardaghy, Lough Egish and Tullynamalra. |
| Leitrim: | Kiltyclogher, Ballinamore, Manorhamilton-Glenfarne, Keadue-Drumshambo area. |
| Donegal: | Dungloe, Killybegs, Raphoe, Manor Cunningham, Rural Letterkenny, Newtowncunningham, North-Central Donegal and Ardara. |
Under the MANs Programme 19 networks have been constructed in respect of the counties specified:
| Cavan: | Cavan Town, Kingscourt, Bailieborough, and Cootehill. |
| Monaghan: | Monaghan town, Carrickmacross, Castleblayney and Clones. |
| Leitrim: | Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton. |
| Donegal: | Letterkenny, Gweedore, Ballybofey/Stranorlar, Ballyshannon, Buncrana, Bundoran, Carndonagh and Donegal Town. |
There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. Accordingly, the procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is nearing completion. The NBS is designed to deliver broadband to areas where the market has failed to provide services. The NBS contract is scheduled to be signed next month. Subject to agreement with the chosen service provider, roll out of services is expected to begin shortly after the contract is signed. The chosen service provider will be required to complete the roll out of services within 22 months of the contract award. All requests for a broadband service in the areas to be addressed by the NBS, including any unserved areas in counties Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim and Donegal, will be met.
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