Minister unveils Leitrim broadband network

Communications Minister Dermot Ahern today announced that the €3.5m broadband network in Co Leitrim has been constructed on time and under budget.

In total, almost 15 kms of fibre has been rolled out in Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton connecting educational institutions, business parks, public buildings and industry. The Carrick ring is almost 10 kms while the Manorhamilton fibre ring is 5.2 kms.

The Leitrim project is part of the €65m national broadband initiative, which is 90% funded by the Government under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

It is also is co-funded by the EU under the European Regional Development Fund.

Minister Ahern said: "In the space of just over a year, since my Department began the Metropolitan Area Network programme, the Irish broadband landscape has changed dramatically.

“In that time there has been unprecedented investment in broadband infrastructure. Most of this investment has been in the co-funded projects such as the Metropolitan Area Networks, using ERDF and Government funding to kick-start the broadband revolution."