Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to provide broadband coverage to areas not serviced by the national broadband service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37669/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives. Using this funding, which will be augmented by an Exchequer contribution, I intend to formally launch a Rural Broadband Scheme before the end of this year. This scheme will provide a basic broadband service to individual un-served rural premises outside of the National Broadband Scheme areas.

The scheme will be available for applications on an individual basis. Information in relation to acceptance of applications and the process of qualification under the scheme will be made available when the scheme is launched.