High-speed fibre optic network linking Dublin to west announced

A division of Bord Gáis Networks is to roll out an ultra high-speed fibre optic network which will link Dublin to the west of Ireland.

The project, being set up by Aurora Telecom, will be available to telecommunications carriers and corporate organisations.

The 330km cable route will incorporate key locations through the country including Galway, Athlone, Mullingar and Ennis.

"This project will be a significant boost to the realisation of the Government’s vision of a Smart Economy as it delivers an open-access optic fibre network which is available to both telecommunications carriers and corporate organisations," a statement said.

"Developing high-speed bandwidth is fundamental to our economic recovery," said Communications Minister Eamon Ryan.

"Not only will this project improve the attractiveness of Ireland for continued investment, but it will greatly assist in the growth and sustainability of small businesses, particularly in our regional towns."

Bord Gáis CEO John Mullins describeed the development as "of critical importance to the upgrading of digital based services in the country".

"High speed bandwidth services are essential in order to encourage foreign direct investment and Bord Gáis is delighted to be in a position to offer this to large corporate entities and telecommunications carriers from Dublin right across to the West of Ireland," Mr Mullins said.