Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 326: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of the 78 schools identified under the 100mbps post primary schools project that have received high speed broadband to date; if he will provide a list of the 78 schools which have had their broadband infrastructure upgraded by the project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19103/10]

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

Some 74 of the 78 post primary schools have had 100Mbps broadband connections delivered. The remaining four connections are scheduled to be completed in the coming days. The table below sets this information out in detail.

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

Question 327: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the provision of broadband in Leitrim village; when will the Eircom exchange have broadband enabled to enable residents to get fixed line broadband from Eircom. [19109/10]

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

Prior to the commencement of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) a detailed mapping exercise was carried out to help determine those areas that would be included in the scheme and those who, by virtue of being already substantially served by existing broadband suppliers, were to be excluded.

EU State aid and competition rules govern how states can intervene in areas where there are existing service providers operating. Accordingly, the NBS is prohibited from providing a service in served areas where to do so would give rise to an unacceptable level of market distortion.

The mapping exercise found two broadband suppliers already active in the area of Leitrim village and consequently the locality was excluded from the Scheme. I understand both these operators are still active in the area.

The enabling of Eircom exchanges is a matter for that company and therefore I am not in a position to intervene in the matter.