MAN project gets approval in Kerry towns

WORK on providing broadband internet access to six Kerry towns is due to get underway shortly, it was confirmed yesterday.

The installation of broadband infrastructure in Tralee, Killarney and Listowel is due to begin in the next few weeks, following the contract signing for the Kerry Broadband MAN Project, in Tralee.

More than 38km of fibre-based network will be laid in the streets of the three towns, providing crucial infrastructure for the provision of broadband within the county.

Kenmare, Castleisland and Dingle are also included in the project, but rather than having a fibre-based network installed, they will have a wireless system installed.

These networks will provide broadband infrastructure to each town allowing private operators to provide the service to large industry, small and medium enterprises and residential customers.

All six towns have been approved for the current round of funding by the Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources.

Work in Tralee, Killarney and Listowel will start in the coming weeks, with contractors O’Connor Utilities carrying out the work.

“It is a major project, but it will be a huge boost to the county in terms of attracting industry to Kerry,” said deputy Kerry mayor Robert Beasley.

John Breen, director of community and enterprise with Kerry County Council, said the laying of the fibre-based “Strict traffic and pedestrian management schemes are to be implemented, with the vast majority of the trenches being opened, ducting laid and re-filled in the same day.’