Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 999: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be available in an area (details supplied); his views on whether its availability in the area is necessary for the area's business sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38846/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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My Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) in order to provide broadband services to rural areas, many of which do not currently have any broadband service. 3 will be required to provide services to all residences and businesses that are within the NBS area and who seek a service. The availability of broadband is widely accepted as having a positive impact on economic and commercial activity.

I understand that the area of St. Johnston, County Donegal, which is located in the St. Johnstown Electoral Division, will be provided with broadband services under this scheme. The entire NBS coverage area must receive broadband by September 2010. It is the case that the precise progression of site rollout, in advance of receipt of necessary permissions, is difficult to accurately predict.

The status of service availability in the NBS area can be checked on 3's NBS coverage map, which can be accessed at www.three.ie/nbs. The forthcoming availability of services in any particular area is also announced by way of 3's marketing campaign.