Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 413: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on all forms of broadband availability in an area (details supplied) in County Donegal; if this position will be improved in the coming months; his views on the fact that broadband is essential for the local business community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41464/09]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 416: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be available in a parish (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41838/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 413 and 416 together.

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. The availability of broadband is widely accepted as having a positive impact on economic and commercial activity. I understand that fixed wireless and satellite broadband is available in the general area of Carrowmenagh, County Donegal, and mobile and satellite broadband is available in the general area of Culdaff, County Donegal. Details of broadband availability throughout the country are available at www.broadband.gov.ie. I would add that information contained on this website is provided by the service providers. In addition details of the Electoral Divisions in County Donegal to be covered by the National Broadband Scheme can be found at www.three.ie/nbs.

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.