Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of metropolitan area networks that have been constructed around towns here under the most recent MANs roll-out programme but which are not currently functioning as part of the counties information technology infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43666/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Under phase I of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) 27 MANs are available to customers from eNet which is operating, managing and maintaining the networks on behalf of the State under a 15 year concession agreement.

Under Phase II of the MANs Programme, 58 of a total of 60 MANs covering 64 towns have been completed during 2007 and 2008. Construction of the remaining two networks will be completed during 2009.

All completed Phase II networks are being managed on an interim basis by technical services firm Magnum Opus on behalf of my Department pending the engagement of a Management Services Entity for the Phase II MANs (MSE 2). The engagement of an MSE 2 is currently the subject of a procurement process, which is expected to conclude in Q1 2009.

The Phase II MANs contain duct, sub duct, dark fibre and co-location facilities. Under the interim MSE maintenance arrangement currently in place, dark fibre is made available to service providers, who in turn use their own equipment to light the fibre for their customer.

Currently there are three Phase II MANs being used by service providers; Killarney, Tralee and Carrigaline. Longford will be in use within the next two weeks. A number of other requests have also been received from service providers. The Phase II MAN's continue to be available to service providers on the basis referred to above pending the outcome of the MSE procurement process.