1,000 rural areas connected to broadband network

BROADBAND services have been successfully delivered to 1,028 previously unserved rural areas as part of the Government’s National Broadband Scheme.

The €223 million scheme has ensured delivery of broadband services to some 235,000 premises, creating 170 jobs in the process.

Ireland is one of the first countries in the world to deliver such a scheme on a national basis and has met the EU target for broadband availability two years early.

A service with a minimum download speed of 1.6mbps and maximum of 14.4mbps has been made available across every county and speeds will be increased in the next two years.

Mobile network provider 3 Ireland has also indicated that speeds of 40mbps are achievable by the end of 2011.

A study carried out by economist Jim Power shows that the spin-off benefits of widespread broadband access can be significant in regional areas.

It estimates that in Galway the scheme will deliver €53m to the local economy, €40m in Kerry and €26.9m in Mayo.

Communications Minister Eamon Ryan described the scheme’s success as “the most significant milestone in Ireland’s broadband story.

“Two years ago, I committed that the Government would deliver broadband to every district in the country that was without a service.

“I am pleased to announce today that we have succeeded in our plans. We are now at over 99% coverage for the whole country.

“I will announce a new Rural Broadband Scheme in the New Year which will ensure that we get to the remainder — less than 1%.

“Now that we have this base, there is no limit to the possibilities.”