Latest county milestone achieved as national deployment nears completion
National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, and Roscommon County Council have today announced the completion of the National Broadband Plan (NBP)’s main infrastructure build works in Co. Roscommon.
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.
With the completion of the main NBI infrastructure rollout, Roscommon becomes the twelfth county to reach this milestone as the nationwide deployment moves into its final phase ahead of completion later this year.
Speaking recently, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, TD said: “The completion of the National Broadband Plan rollout in Roscommon is a significant milestone in the delivery of one of the most ambitious and transformative infrastructure projects ever undertaken by the State. Through an investment of €76 million, 20,000 premises across the county can now access high-speed broadband, connecting homes, businesses, farms and community facilities to world-class digital infrastructure.
“The completion of the rollout in Roscommon is another important step in delivering on the vision of the National Broadband Plan, a more connected, more inclusive and more resilient Ireland, where every community has the tools, it needs to prosper.
“The National Broadband Plan is not just an investment in infrastructure, it is an investment in people, in opportunity and in the long-term future of rural Ireland.”
To mark this milestone, Roscommon County Council hosted a reception at Kilronan Castle featuring addresses from An Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Domnick Connolly; Nicole Berkery, Department of Culture, Communications and Sport; Grace Kelly, Director of HSQE & PA Contract Management, NBI and Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive, Roscommon County Council.
There are approximately 20,000 premises in County Roscommon that 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 €76 million of Government investment in the county, with over 7,000 premises already connected to the network.
An Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Domnick Connolly, said: “High-speed broadband has become an essential household service, supporting everything from students completing assignments to families accessing services and keeping in touch. The completion of the main National Broadband Plan rollout in Roscommon is a huge milestone, bringing these benefits far and wide across the county.
“For our rural communities, this means greater choice in how people live and work. Whether running a business, studying or working from home, people can now access reliable connectivity without having to leave their local area.”
Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, said: “This rollout represents a lasting investment in Roscommon’s future. Access to high-speed broadband is an important consideration for businesses deciding where to locate and for people looking to return to the county. Having this infrastructure in place gives us more scope to support both.
“For the Council, this has been a substantial programme of work alongside National Broadband Ireland and Government. Its completion means we can look ahead with greater confidence, knowing that more of our rural communities have the connectivity they need to support jobs and investment locally.”
Grace Kelly, Director of HSQE & PA Contract Management, National Broadband Ireland said: “The completion of the main rollout in Roscommon is a major milestone for the county and for everyone involved in delivering the NBP. Through strong collaboration with Government, Roscommon County Council and our delivery partners, some 20,000 homes, farms, businesses and schools across the county can now access the NBI fibre network.
“While the network build is complete, the next step belongs to the people of Roscommon. Over 7,000 premises are already connected, and 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.”
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.
Across the country, almost 528,000 premises are passed by the NBI network, with over 192,000 connections to date. 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. Communities across Ireland are now able to access fibre broadband capable of supporting remote work, online learning, digital health services, agri-tech, tourism and local enterprise.
NBI is a wholesale network operator, meaning homes and businesses order services through broadband providers rather than directly from NBI. Residents and businesses in NBI’s rollout area can check their Eircode on the NBI website to confirm availability and view the list of broadband providers offering services over the network and place an order directly with their preferred provider.
