Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the costs and timeframe of the MANs project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37136/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Phase 1 of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) programme completed delivery of open access, high-speed broadband networks to 27 towns and cities throughout the country. The MANs were constructed in partnership with the local and regional authorities and were co-financed from the European Regional Development Fund. Construction of Phase 1 MANs commenced in 2002 and all 27 MANs were completed by 2005. They were successfully handed over to E|Net, whose role is to maintain, market and operate the MANs on behalf of the State. The cost of the Phase 1 MANs programme was approximately €85 million.

Construction of Phase 2 of the MANs Programme commenced in 2005 and 64 towns are now complete with construction under way in two further towns. The estimated cost of the MANs for the 66 Phase 2 towns is approximately €90 million. Projects in a further 28 towns originally selected under Phase 2 have been suspended. A Value for Money and Policy Review of Phase I of the MANs Programme, which was published in July 2008 pointed to issues which warranted consideration in the context of future investment in MANs. Any future investment in new MANs will take account of the recommendations of the Value for Money and Policy Review and availability of resources.