Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1002: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the town lands of Cloonfaughna and Glinsk in County Galway are planned to have broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39195/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e over the telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, satellite and fibre. I understand that broadband is available in the general areas of Cloonfaughna and Glinsk, County Galway, from wireless and satellite service providers.

Details of broadband availability from service providers together with the availability of broadband services in specific areas, including areas in County Galway, are available at www.broadband.gov.ie. I would add that information contained on this website is provided by the service providers.

The widespread acceptance of the benefits of broadband has motivated the EU Commission to set aside a portion of European Economic Recovery Package (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives. I am considering how the provision of broadband services to unserved rural premises can be achieved through an appropriate intervention under the EERP. My Department is currently considering options for the design of such a scheme. This work will include the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband.

Discussions have already commenced with the European Commission on the first step of applying for and securing State Aid clearance.

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1003: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of broadband for Carrigallen, County Leitrim; when it will be available; the stage it is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39407/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). 3 is required to provide services to all residences and businesses that are within the NBS area and which seek a service.

The company is progressing its network roll-out and services have gone live in a number of areas. The entire NBS area must be covered by September 2010.

The general area of Carrigallen, County Leitrim will be covered by the NBS. The current service status of each NBS area is available at www.three.ie/nbs.