Build works for the new high-speed fibre broadband network being delivered across Ireland as part of the State’s National Broadband Plan (NBP), are underway in parts of Galway. National Broadband Ireland (NBI) are designing, building and operating the new network in a mapped ‘rollout area’ – where commercial operators have not indicated that they will be providing such services. This includes 544,000 premises and will benefit over one million people.

In Galway, over 3,500 premises have been surveyed to date and network designs completed to deliver the new Fibre to the Home (FTTH) network there. NBI crews have started initial works for the build in townlands outside Galway city including Oranmore, Clarinbrige, Claregalway, Furbo and Barna. In the east of the county works are underway in areas around Ballinasloe such as Kiltomer, Oatfield, Annagh, Kilconnell, and Ahascragh.

These works pave the way for the next stage of deploying fibre on poles/ducts and includes the erection of poles, unblocking of ducts, and the insertion of sub duct into existing ducts, for the fibre to be installed. This is the most efficient and economical way for the new network – which will have standard download speeds of 500MB – to be rolled out. In Galway, there are 38,714 premises in the “Rollout Area”, which includes homes, farms, commercial businesses and school. This equates to 28% of all premises in the county. Under the National Broadband Plan, Galway will see an investment of €153M in the new high-speed fibre broadband network. This will enable e-learning, remote working, e-health initiatives, wider use of agri-technology, more online business, and better energy efficiency in the home.

Local job creation
NBI are working with contractors on these two build works sites in Galway, where over 100 operatives combined are employed. The new network will ‘go live’ in these parts of the county in early 2021.
Peter Hendrick NBI Chief Executive Officer, said that real progress is being made in the first year of the National Broadband Plan:
“There are 227 deployments areas across Ireland – in every county- that NBI will be delivering this new high speed broadband network in, across 96% of Ireland’s land mass. We are currently working closely with retail service providers, and other stakeholders, to connect the first homes in Galway in early 2021.

“Our mission is to end the digital divide across the country, and high speed broadband access has never been more critical in how we live our lives. Digital connectivity is critical to many of our activities right now, and this new Fibre-to-the-Home network, will be a key enabler for the sustainment of local businesses and communities.”

Over 126,000 premises have now been surveyed nationwide, in the eight months since the National Broadband Plan got underway. Build works are also underway for the new NBI network in parts of Cork, Cavan and Galway, with works in Tralee and Wexford to follow.

Phase One Delivery of the National Broadband – Broadband Connections Points
Those living in the rollout area will be able to benefit from high speed connectivity (150Mb) at Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) in the county over the next several months. These facilities – which include GAA clubs, schools, community centres and other public facilities – will provide free access to high speed internet in the rollout area.
The public will be able to benefit from this service at locations across the county such as Cortoon, Leitrim-Ballydugan, and Lettermullen community centres along with Inishbofin Island library. Further details can be found at /bcp-map/ In Galway, a number of primary schools in the rollout area will also be connected for educational access as part of this initiative including those in Cahergal, Kylebrack, Williamstown & Mweenish Island.
To check if your premises is in the ‘rollout area’ – or register for updates – log onto www.nbi.ie The lo-call customer contact centre number is 0818 624 624 or email contactus@nbi.ie

Issued 16th Noverber 2020