Phil Hogan to announce 100% fibre optic broadband for Ratheniska

Ratheniska in Co Laois is to benefit from a rural broadband pilot programme.

The village, currently home to the National Ploughing Championships, will receive a 100% fibre optic broadband network.

It is part of a scheme by SIRO, the ESB-Vodafone joint venture company, which is investing €450m in broadband development to 50 regional towns.

The announcement will officially be made at the ploughing championships this morning by EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan.