National Broadband Ireland set to exceed 2025 target of 420,000 premises, with rollout to be completed next year.

National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company responsible for delivering the Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP), has announced that over 400,000 homes, farms and businesses in the State’s Intervention Area can now connect to high-speed broadband. This follows a decision earlier this year to accelerate delivery to an additional 65,000 homes, farms and businesses, bringing forward access to high-speed broadband for communities across rural Ireland. 

NBI has achieved the milestone ahead of schedule, meaning the company is now on course to surpass its 2025 target of 420,000 premises passed.

When a premises is passed, an order can be placed to connect to high-speed fibre broadband on the NBI Network. People living and working in rural Ireland can enter their Eircode on the NBI website, www.nbi.ie, to see if their home or business is included in the rollout and how to get connected. 

With more than 50 broadband providers actively selling on NBI’s open-access network, rural communities now have access to the same level of competition and choice as those in urban areas. Customers can select from a wide range of internet providers, with competitive pricing and bundled packages available nationwide.  

The rollout is already delivering meaningful impact with over 140,000 premises already connected. Take-up rates average 35% and continue to climb, approaching 60% in areas where the network has been live the longest such as the rural areas near Athlone, Castlebar and Emyvale. Fibre broadband is also available to order on 19 islands, including Achill Island where the first homes and businesses began connecting in June.

Independent research continues to highlight the real-world impact of the National Broadband Plan such as improved quality of life and better access to essential services as well as stronger digital capacity for rural businesses.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, T.D. said: “The advent of rural broadband has been truly transformative, not only bridging the digital divide, but also breathing new life into once isolated communities. Even the most remote parts of our country, now have the opportunity to sustain local businesses, educate their children, and preserve a way of life in a modern, connected world.”

“National Broadband Ireland is playing an instrumental role in delivering one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the history of the State. Great credit is due to NBI, its leadership, contractors, and the men and women on the ground who are making this happen. They are ensuring that every home, farm and business, no matter how remote, has access to the kind of connectivity that levels the playing field and unlocks opportunity for all.”

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: “Passing 400,000 premises marks another major step forward in the delivery of the National Broadband Plan. Every week, thousands more premises are being made ready for service, and the level of interest and demand we’re seeing is remarkable. As the rollout progresses, the full potential of a connected rural Ireland is becoming increasingly clear.

“This progress reflects the tireless work of our build partners, engineering teams and broadband providers across the country. It also wouldn’t be possible without the support and leadership of Government, who have made a long-term commitment to connecting every part of Ireland and ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age.”

There are currently 564,000 currently included in the NBP Intervention Area, up from 537,000 premises at the time of contract award.

Progress update as of 20.08.2025:   

  • The number of premises passed, and which can connect to NBI’s fibre network is 400,147.
  • 140,592 premises are already connected. 
  • The average take-rate is 35%. Take-up is approaching 60% where services have been available for longer.   
  • 100% of surveying works are complete, and all remaining premises are now in the construction phase.
  • 955 Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) have been installed and are live with 672 of these in schools.   
  • A high-speed broadband connection through NBI is available for order on 19 of the 27 islands included in the rollout. The remaining 8 islands are in various stages of survey and design works.