Ireland’s National Broadband Plan reaches a major milestone.
More than 125,000 homes, farms, and businesses across rural Ireland are now connected to high-speed fibre broadband as part of the Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP).
National Broadband Ireland said that it has now has passed 361,101 premises with its fibre network out of the 564,000 currently included in the NBP Intervention Area, enabling these locations to order high-speed internet service from a choice of 50 different broadband providers.
“Whether it’s supporting remote working, helping local businesses expand, or giving students new ways to learn, high-speed broadband is transforming lives and unlocking new opportunities for communities across the country”
Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, highlighted the significance of this milestone: “This milestone underlines the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every corner of the State has access to world-class digital infrastructure. With over 125,000 connections now live under the National Broadband Plan, we are seeing the benefits of this investment throughout rural Ireland.”
“Whether it’s supporting remote working, helping local businesses expand, or giving students new ways to learn, high-speed broadband is transforming lives and unlocking new opportunities for communities across the country,” the Minister added.
Adoption rates
David McCourt, chair of National Broadband Ireland
NBI has completed preliminary survey works for the entire Intervention Area and expects to pass over 420,000 premises by the end of 2025. The company reports that current take-up rates average 35% across all areas – exceeding projections and international comparisons. In areas where the network has been available longer, adoption rates have surpassed 50%.
“The National Broadband Plan is providing rural Ireland with the same access to digital opportunities as our cities,” said David McCourt, chair of National Broadband Ireland. “With 125,000 premises already connected to the NBI Network, this project is making a tangible difference to rural areas that have been anticipating reliable, high-speed connectivity.”
Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer of NBI, called it “a proud moment” for the company and communities across Ireland.
“These connections are already making a significant difference – enabling remote working, online learning, digital entrepreneurship, and so much more. The demand is strong, and we’re focused on maintaining momentum and delivering access to even more people this year.”
Impact on rural businesses
The high-speed connectivity is already transforming rural enterprises. Sheila Murray, owner of Murrays Recycled Plastic Ltd in Glenisland, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, has leveraged the improved broadband to grow her family-owned manufacturing business, which employs over 15 people and produces outdoor products from 100% recycled plastic.
“Better broadband has opened the door to digital marketing for our business. We’re now creating more engaging content, reaching more potential customers online, and helping to educate the market on the benefits of sustainable outdoor products,” Murray explained.
“For a rural business like ours, high-speed broadband levels the playing field. We can now compete with bigger brands and showcase our products nationally, all while supporting employment here in the local community.”
Residents can check if their home or business is included in the rollout by entering their Eircode on the NBI website where they can also view the broadband providers offering connectivity in their area.
Main image at top: Peter Hendrick, CEO, National Broadband Ireland
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