Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if it is still his intention to ask ComReg to take on the role of one-stop-shop for State owned telecommunications infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37880/10]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the implementation of a one stop shop for broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37795/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 67 and 98 together.

The objective of the one-stop-shop commitment in the Next Generation Broadband policy paper "Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland", is to facilitate telecoms network operators in gaining access to ducting that exists along publicly-owned energy, transport and other infrastructure so as to facilitate access to backhaul networks in a cost effective manner.

Government policy is aimed at leveraging such State-owned infrastructure to help deliver high-speed broadband and improved telecommunications services throughout the country. The policy also strongly supports this being done on an open-access basis and I do not favour exclusive deals whereby one service provider secures exclusive access to a particular State-owned network.

In general terms I am satisfied that there are no current impediments to accessing the majority of state-owned telecommunications infrastructure. Both ESB Telecoms and Aurora Telecom, which is a division of Bord Gáis Networks, have developed highly successful commercial ventures in this area. Indeed the recent announcement of Aurora's investment in ultra-high speed fibre-optic network linking Dublin to the West of Ireland is very positive evidence of the critical role this type of infrastructure can play in the delivery of high-speed networks. Apart from its general infrastructure in the area of backhaul service, ESB's infrastructure is also playing a vital role in the successful delivery of the 100mbps pilot project to secondary schools.

Access to Irish Rail's network is also available through its long-standing commercial arrangement with BT and I have also enacted legislation earlier this year designating the National Roads Authority as the single point of contact for accessing State-owned infrastructure on national roads and motorways. Open access is also available to ducting running along tow paths on some of our canal network.

However, I am mindful that we should continue to ensure that all infrastructure of this kind is fully optimised for broadband purposes and I have earlier this week written to all State Agencies, including Local Authorities, that are in possession of such infrastructure to invite them to meet with me in the coming weeks to discuss how we can work together to ensure that no unnecessary impediments are put in place regarding access issues and, where possible, to open up infrastructure that heretofore has not been utilised for telecommunications purposes.

I will also utilise this meeting to explore further the introduction of a one-stop-shop embracing a simple point of contact in relation to access to all State infrastructure for broadband use. As pointed out above there is already an elaborate network of state owned assets which is open to service providers for broadband purposes. Apart from the quality of service thus provided this is also ensuring competition with the incumbent, eircom. In this way the objectives of the one-stop-shop as set in the 2009 Broadband Policy paper are being delivered. I am, however, anxious to ensure that this is being done in an optimal way and my impending discussions as referred to above will explore the need for a more formal structure in this regard.