Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding broadband in respect of an area (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38204/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector service providers operating in Ireland's fully liberalised telecommunications market. Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, fibre and satellite. Details of broadband services available in each county can be found on ComReg's website at www.callcosts.ie.

In cases of market failure the Government will intervene, where it is appropriate and possible to do so. The National Broadband Scheme (NBS) represents such an intervention.

The general areas of Aughavannagh and Glenmalure come under the scope of the NBS and broadband from Hutchison 3G Ireland Ltd ("3"), the NBS service provider, is now available in these areas.

Furthermore, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that under the NBS broadband is now available in all Electoral Divisions in the NBS Coverage Area.