Eir reports 'unprecedented surge' in Irish data usage

Report said the rollout of 1GB fibre and explosive growth in data-hungry apps have resulted in Eir's overall traffic on its broadband network more than doubling since 2019

Average household usage on high-speed fibre has risen by 61% in five years, from the equivalent of 6.2 hours to almost 10 hours of HD video per day

Online traffic in Ireland has more than doubled since 2019, with mobile data traffic showing a seven-fold increase due to a surge in online video content, a new report shows.

Publishing its Digital Ireland report on Thursday, Eir said Ireland is now one of the most digitally connected socieities in Europe, underpinned by record investment in fibre and 5G, as well as an unprecedented surge in data usage.

The report, tracking 2019 to 2025, shows that demand for connectivity has grown dramatically as digital services become central to daily life, work and business.

Overall traffic on Eir’s broadband network has more than doubled since 2019, the report found, which was driven by the rollout of 1GB fibre and explosive growth in data-hungry apps and services. 

Meanwhile, average household usage on high-speed fibre has risen by 61% in five years, from the equivalent of 6.2 hours to almost 10 hours of HD video per day, while data carried on Eir’s mobile network has grown seven-fold over the same period.

For consumers, major social and sporting events have become powerful barometers of Ireland’s ‘always-on' digital habits, with Eir pointing to data usage at Electric Picnic, which it says has grown sixfold since 2022. In parallel, traditional fixed line calling has continued to decline, with minutes falling by 57% since late 2021, even as mobile voice use remains broadly stable.

Regionally, Eir said counties such as Cavan, Meath and Offaly are leading a nationwide surge in data consumption, with average monthly usage up nearly 80% since 2019.

Overall, the report found Kildare to have the highest household data usage, with the lowest coming from Sligo. 

The report also highlights the expectation that data traffic volumes will continue to grow at a high rate for the remainder of the decade, driven by AI transformation, the Internet of Things, and other digital megatrends.

Speaking on the report, CEO of Eir, Oliver Loomes said: "Ireland’s Digital Decade is real and measurable - in the way we work, learn, do business and come together at our favourite festivals and matches. 

"Data use has exploded, powered by our investment in fibre and 5G, and Ireland now has the opportunity to be one of the most connected, competitive and inclusive digital societies in the world.” 

“Connectivity also has to mean inclusion; more work is needed in the coming years to ensure all people and businesses can participate in Ireland’s Digital Decade.

Speaking at the launch of the report Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation said: "Irish homes, businesses and communities are embracing the digital revolution. 

"Ireland has a number of unique strengths and advantages, including our highly skilled workforce, which provides us with major economic and social opportunities to transform our society through technological investment."