Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 513: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the new capital projects associated with his Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are in the middle of construction at present; his views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3161/10]

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

The information requested by the Deputy is set out below:

New projects gone to tender to begin in 2010 · Silvermines Remediation

To rehabilitate former mine sites at Silvermines, County Tipperary

New projects gone to tender and not proceeding in 2010 · NIL

Capital projects in the middle of construction

Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) – Phase II: To provide underground telecommunications networks that are located in regional cities and towns. Phase II of the MANs project covers 66 towns.

100 Mbps Connectivity to Post Primary Schools (Pilot Project): To deliver 100mbps broadband connectivity to 78 post-primary schools.

Project Kelvin: To provide a direct international telecommunications link between the North West of Ireland, North America and Europe.

National Broadband Scheme: To provide specified broadband services to residential and business premises and to wholesale operators wishing to supply such premises in identified parts of Ireland (the NBS coverage area).

INFOMAR: Integrated mapping to assemble data for the sustainable development of Ireland's marine resource.

The projects listed above are important in fulfilling the remit of my Department in the communications and natural resources sectors. The various investments in communications will provide key infrastructure to underpin the development of the smart economy. In addition, further economic stimulus to help sustain and create jobs is to be provided by my Department though approximately €90 million expenditure on energy efficiency measures which will include the new multi-annualNational Retrofit Programme in 2010. This growing area of innovation has huge commercial and employment potential, and has potential to create up to 5,000 jobs this year alone. All such economic stimulus initiatives will assist in getting capital flowing in the economy.