Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 86: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to a previous parliamentary question the progress made on the provision of access to ducting to improve infrastructure here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43712/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The consultation paper on Next Generation Broadband committed to providing access by private operators to public sector broadband assets. In particular access will be facilitated to ducting that already exists along publicly owned infrastructure, which could be used to provide backhaul connections.

While the private sector has the primary role in investing in telecommunications infrastructure, it makes sense to utilise State infrastructure assets to facilitate broadband connectivity on commercial terms, particularly where there may be market failure. The consultation process has indicated a largely positive response to this particular initiative, by the commercial and semi-State sector.

In identifying relevant State assets, which can be used for ducting and laying fibre, my officials have met with a number of State agencies, mainly in the electricity, gas and transport sectors to examine how best their assets can be accessed.

A number of practical issues have been identified by the agencies which must be addressed.

My Department and the agencies are committed to working out how best such issues can be addressed quickly and ensuring that the interests of the agencies and the telecommunications industry are balanced.

My Department is progressing this work as a matter of urgency. I am determined that there will be tangible progress on this initiative in 2009.