James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 465: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of broadband for businesses in Clonahussy, County Longford on behalf of a person (details supplied), as there is currently no broadband in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42579/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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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 mobile, fixed wireless and satellite broadband is available in the general area of Clonahussy, County Longford. 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.

While the specific area of Clonahussy is not covered by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), details of the Electoral Divisions in County Longford that are to be covered by the NBS 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.