Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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254. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of an application by Emerald Pipeworks and/or PiPiper for consent to run fibre optic cable from County Mayo to County Galway in ducting laid alongside the Bord Gais pipeline network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21269/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The telecommunications duct network referred to runs alongside the Bord Gáis Éireann pipeline network from Bellanaboy in County Mayo to Ballymoneen in County Galway, which also consists of a spur off the main network to Castlebar and Westport, County Mayo.

Since this duct network was funded by my Department, State Aid approval is needed in order to bring the network into use. My Department is currently engaged in a State Aid process with the European Commission with a view to bringing the duct to market and my officials are working to bring the matter to a conclusion as quickly as possible.

It is my intention that the network would be completed as an open access network that would be available to allow licensed telecoms operators to provide services along this network.

No application has been received from any party for consent to run fibre along the duct network concerned.