Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 389: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when a telephone exchange (details supplied) will be broadband enabled; his plans for the roll out of broadband in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21343/09]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 390: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the telephone exchange in an area (details supplied) is broadband enabled; his plans to roll out broadband in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21351/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 389 and 390 together.

The enabling of exchanges for broadband purposes is a matter for the owners of the relevant exchanges. It is anticipated that the facilitation of greater competition via the introduction of broadband from different technology platforms should encourage the more rapid enabling of exchanges for broadband.

In order to provide broadband services to areas that are not currently served by broadband my Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). 3 will be required to provide services to all residences and businesses that are within the NBS area and who seek a service. The general area of Ardagh, County Limerick will be provided with broadband services under this scheme in the coming weeks. A marketing campaign to announce the forthcoming service availability will commence shortly.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 391: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the townland of Clontrain, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan is included for roll-out of broadband under the national broadband scheme; and, if so, when it is expected to have broadband available to residents of this area. [21422/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Broadband services can now be provided over various platforms DSL (i.e. over the telephone line), fixed wireless, cable, mobile and satellite by the private sector service providers. I understand that Clontrain, County Monaghan, already has broadband on offer from a number of service providers as detailed in the table below.

As the general area of Clontrain, County Monaghan, is located in a currently served area it will not be addressed by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). In this regard, EU State Aid and competition rules govern how States can intervene in areas where there are existing service providers. Accordingly, the NBS, which was approved by the EU Commission) is prohibited from providing a service in served areas where to do so would give rise to an unacceptable level of market distortion.

My Department operates a dedicated website, www.broadband.gov.ie where potential broadband customers can ascertain the availability of services in their area.