Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 221: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the problem with the ducting for the provision of broadband in Tuam, County Galway whereby it is proposed to install a new water and drainage scheme but without putting in the proper ducting for broadband which would appear to be the most efficient way of doing the job without having to dig up the streets again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45710/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I presume the Deputy is referring to the possible construction of a Metropolitan Network (MAN) in Tuam should a future phase of MANs be approved. Any future investment decisions, including investment in further phases of the MANs Programme, will be guided by (i) a policy paper on Next Generation Broadband, which is being finalised at present, (ii) a Value for Money and Policy Review undertaken on Phase I of the MANs Programme (iii) any other analysis as appropriate and (iv) the availability of resources.

Should Tuam be selected for investment under a new phase of the MANs Programme then any MANs duct laid as part of the water and drainage scheme could be funded as advance works for the MANs project. It is a matter for the relevant local authority to decide whether or not to include and fund appropriate ducting at this stage.