Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 492: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans he has to provide broadband to Newhall, Ennis, County Clare; when it can be expected that residents will have broadband access in Newhall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42605/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband, is 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. 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.

It is important to note that in addition to fixed landline broadband, otherwise known as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or broadband over telephone lines, broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms including cable, satellite, fixed wireless and increasingly mobile. I understand that Ennis already has broadband on offer from a number of service providers.