Phil Hogan announces pilot broadband scheme for 17 premises in Ratheniska

The EU Commissioner Phil Hogan has announced a new broadband pilot scheme for Ratheniska in Co Laois - the site of the Ploughing Championships.

It will connect 17 local premises to a high-speed SIRO network, including 14 homes, Ratheniska National School, the Community Hall and Park Ratheniska GAA club.

The ESB-Vodafone joint venture promises to deliver Ireland's first 100% fibre-optic broadband network to 50 regional towns.