Latest county milestone achieved as national deployment nears completion
National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, and Laois County Council have today announced the completion of the National Broadband Plan’s main infrastructure build works in County Laois.
The milestone marks a major step forward for communities across the county, with high-speed fibre broadband now available to homes, farms, businesses and schools in areas that previously had no access to reliable, high-speed connectivity.
Laois is the latest county to reach this stage of the National Broadband Plan rollout, following recent county completion milestones in Kilkenny, Longford, Tipperary, Meath, Westmeath, Waterford and Monaghan as the national programme moves through its final phase of delivery.
Speaking recently, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, TD said: “Laois is a dynamic county with deep roots in agriculture, a growing enterprise base and a strong sense of community. The completion of the main National Broadband Plan infrastructure rollout ensures that communities across the county can now compete, connect, and grow on a level playing field with every region across the country.
“This Government investment of €49 million under the National Broadband Plan, is transforming the prospects of County Laois by giving homes, farms, and businesses access to the digital infrastructure they need for the future. It is another important step in delivering on our commitment that every community can participate fully in our digital society and economy.”
To mark this milestone, Laois County Council hosted a reception at Vicarstown Community Centre featuring addresses from An Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr. Catherine Fitzgerald; TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer of National Broadband Ireland; and Chief Executive of Laois County Council, Michael Rainey.
Over 13,000 premises in County Laois are included in the State’s Intervention Area, where NBI is delivering minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms and schools. The rollout represents €49 million of Government investment in the county, with 5,506 premises already connected to the network.
Speaking today, An Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald said: “I warmly welcome the completion of the main National Broadband Plan rollout across Laois, marking a major investment in the county’s future. Reliable, high-speed broadband is essential infrastructure for rural communities, helping people to work remotely, grow local enterprise, access online services and stay connected, regardless of where they live.”
“This investment will deliver lasting benefits for families, farms, businesses, students and communities across Laois. It will ensure that location is no longer a barrier to opportunity, education or economic growth, while supporting stronger, more resilient communities across the county.”
TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland said: “The completion of the main rollout of the NBP in Laois marks a major milestone for the county and for everyone involved in delivering this transformative infrastructure project. Through strong collaboration with the Government, Laois County Council and our delivery partners, we have successfully brought high-speed fibre broadband to 13,000 premises across the county.”
“While the network build is complete, the next step belongs to the people of Laois. With 5,506 premises already connected, we are seeing strong demand from homes, farms and businesses who recognise the value of reliable, high-speed fibre broadband. If your home or business is now ready for connection, I would encourage you to contact your chosen broadband provider and place your order today. The infrastructure is in place, and now is the time to make the most of the opportunities that reliable, high-speed broadband can bring.”
Michael Rainey, Chief Executive of Laois County Council, said: “The completion of the main National Broadband Plan rollout across County Laois is a significant achievement that reflects the strong partnership between Government, National Broadband Ireland, Laois County Council and local communities.”
“Delivering infrastructure of this scale requires collaboration at every stage, and we are proud of the role Laois County Council has played in supporting the rollout throughout the county. This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared commitment to improving the lives of citizens and strengthening the long-term resilience of our communities.”
“The benefits of this investment will be felt across Laois for generations to come. High-speed broadband is now as essential as any other utility, enabling people to access education, healthcare, public services and employment opportunities regardless of where they live. It will support business growth, strengthen rural development, enable innovation and help ensure Laois remains an attractive place to live, work, and invest.”
With construction now at an advanced stage nationwide, NBI has confirmed that the main build of the fibre network remains on track for completion by the end of this year. The network will enable high-speed broadband access for 566,000 homes, farms and businesses across rural Ireland, an increase of 29,000 premises from the original 537,000 identified at the time of contract signing.
Nationally, more than 510,000 homes, farms and businesses have now been passed by the NBI network and can order a fibre broadband connection, with over 188,000 connected so far as demand continues to accelerate. In many areas where the network has been live for longer, take-up already surpasses 60%, reflecting strong national appetite for world-class fibre connectivity.
