Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of the metropolitan area networks around the country that remain unconnected to the backbone broadband infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16605/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Under Phase I of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) Programme there were 27 MANs constructed in conjunction with the Local and Regional Authorities. These have been managed by e|net under a concession agreement since July 2004. 24 of these towns currently have a backhaul connection but 3 towns do not. They are Gweedore, Carrickmacross and Kingscourt.

A further 59 networks across 65 towns were constructed under Phase II of the MANs Programme. One other MAN in Kinsale, Co. Cork is under construction. In December 2007 I suspended construction of additional Phase II networks that had not yet commenced pending the outcome of the Value for Money and Policy Review (VFMPR) of Phase I of the MANs Programme and my Next Generation Broadband policy paper. This resulted in the suspension of 27 Phase II networks. MANs that were under construction at that time proceeded as planned, i.e. the 60 MANs that comprise Phase II of the Programme. Following a procurement process a concession agreement was signed in July 2009 with e|net for the management of these networks. To date 51 Phase II networks have been handed over to e|net with the remaining networks due to be handed over by end May 2010. There are currently eight Phase II towns with a backhaul connection.

It should be noted that the MANs were designed to allow interconnection with backhaul providers through co-location cabins located close to backhaul network infrastructure and all MANs are capable of getting backhaul connectivity through at least one backhaul network. e|net are exploring other ways to provide backhaul connectivity to these MANs. While some of the MANs remain unconnected to a backhaul network, it is the case that such MANs, which enhance the attractiveness of the locations for indigenous and foreign investment, are ready to meet the demand for fibre connectivity should that demand arise.

My Department are finalising an appraisal exercise which will result in a recommendation regarding the future of the MANs Programme. The position remains that any future phase of the MANs programme will be guided by: i) the policy paper on Next Generation Broadband, which was published in June 2009; ii) the Value for Money and Policy Review of Phase I of the MANs Programme, which was published in July 2008; and iii) the availability of resources.