National Broadband Ireland Hits 150,000 Connections, Surges Ahead

UPDATE: National Broadband Ireland (NBI) has just announced a significant milestone, connecting over 150,000 premises to its high-speed fibre broadband network across Ireland. This development marks a crucial step in delivering the Government’s National Broadband Plan, with the company on track to exceed its year-end target of 440,000 premises passed by the end of 2025.

As of now, 420,000 homes, farms, and businesses out of a total of 564,000 in the intervention area can order an NBI fibre connection. NBI’s network rollout will enter its final phase in 2026, with all initial survey and design activities completed. This swift progress is vital for enhancing digital infrastructure in rural Ireland, where demand for high-speed connectivity continues to soar.

The impact of this development is profound. Areas where the network has been operational for longer report a take-up rate exceeding 60%, showcasing a strong national appetite for advanced digital services. Ireland’s digital landscape is evolving rapidly, now ranking fifth in the EU’s Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), a significant leap of 10 places over the past decade.

A recent study by Telecommunications Industry Ireland revealed that digitally transacted output reached €386 billion in 2024, accounting for 41% of all goods and services produced in Ireland. This underscores the critical role of digital connectivity in driving economic growth and employment. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), employment in Ireland has expanded by approximately 440,000 jobs (or 19%) since before the pandemic, with particularly robust growth in rural areas.

TJ Malone, CEO of National Broadband Ireland, expressed pride in this achievement, stating, “We’re incredibly proud to have connected 150,000 homes, farms and businesses to our network. Take-up has been exceptional and continues to grow as the benefits of fibre connectivity become better understood.” He emphasized the company’s commitment to finishing the main infrastructure rollout by the end of next year.

In a similar vein, David McCourt, founder and chairman of NBI, highlighted the progress made under the National Broadband Plan, stating, “National Broadband Ireland is not only on time and on budget, but we’re proving that Ireland can deliver on its ambitious policy goal to get residents and businesses signed up to realize the benefits of high-speed fibre broadband.”

A notable example of this transformation can be seen at the Manor Fields in Adare, Co Limerick. This community-owned facility has embraced high-speed connectivity, enhancing its offerings with a Remote Working Hub as part of the national Connected Hubs Network. The facility now provides local entrepreneurs and freelancers with dependable internet access, ensuring a vibrant and supportive environment for remote work.

Barry O’Halloran, chairman of The Manor Fields Adare, remarked, “Having high-speed fibre broadband from NBI has transformed what’s possible here at The Manor Fields. It means our remote working hub can operate smoothly every day, no matter the weather, and it’s given local people and small businesses a space they can truly rely on.”

As NBI continues its ambitious rollout, the focus remains on connecting more communities to this life-changing network. By the end of 2026, rural Ireland will benefit from world-class digital connectivity, poised to serve its needs for decades to come.

Stay tuned for further updates on the ongoing developments in Ireland’s broadband expansion and its significant economic implications.