Black Valley only got electricity in 1977 — now it's being wired for superfast fibre broadband 

National Broadband Ireland says it has almost finished laying hundreds of kilometres of high-speed fibre cables to connect about 90 households across the vast 1,200-acre region

Historically, the Black Valley in Kerry's MacGillycuddy Reeks was always a communications blackspot but it will be connected to fast reliable broadband later this year. Picture: Curraghmore Farm

It was one of the last locations in Ireland to get electricity in 1977, and to get landline phone service — and 5G mobile phone coverage arrived last year.

Now, though, the remote Black Valley in Kerry is set to get superfast fibre broadband.

National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company rolling out the government’s National Broadband Plan, says it has almost finished laying hundreds of kilometres of high-speed fibre cables to connect about 90 households across the vast 1,200-acre scenic, but mountainous region in the heart of the MacGillycuddy Reeks.

A crew on site in Kerry's Black Valley on Tuesday laying high speed fibre cable for the National Broadband Ireland rollout which is expected to be live in the second half of this year. Picture: Dominic Walsh

A pre-order facility has been launched to allow people order a connection from their choice of 62 internet suppliers, with household connections being completed in sync with the network installation to minimise disruption in the area of outstanding natural beauty.

While wireless broadband has been available in the valley for a few years, thanks in part to Elon Musk’s Starlink, Sandra Spethmann, a film producer turned sheep farmer, who lives on Curraghmore Farm with her partner, camera operator JJ Sullivan, said the arrival of reliable high-speed fibre broadband will transform lives. She said: 

They have been talking about it for years and, to be honest, no-one believed it would happen, but it has. They brought the cable to our house just the other day. 

"We need an internet connection of some kind, even if only to receive emails. But with high-speed fibre broadband, we will be able to watch cuts and share large digital files.

JJ Sullivan and Sandra Spethmann at Curraghmore Farm in the Black Valley in Co Kerry. The rollout to the Black Valley reflects the National Broadband Ireland CEO's contention that 'no area will be left behind'. Picture: Curraghmore Farm

“And when it comes to farming, the Department of Agriculture is moving to digital platforms so the broadband will hopefully just make everything easier.”

NBI technician Aidan McWeeney, who is overseeing the Black Valley project, said they faced considerable challenges given its remoteness and challenging terrain. 

He praised the extensive consultation and planning over the last year involving Kerry County Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, conservationists, archaeologists, and local residents.

The Examiner's front-page story on July 27, 1977, reporting that the ESB had just installed the first poles in its project to bring electricity to the Black Valley. Irish News Archive

They even timed the installation of ducting and cables from Kilgarvan, along the R568 to the top of Molls Gap and into the valley, to be finished before the tourist season to facilitate jarveys and tour buses.

“I have been involved in a lot of deployment all over the country but this area is completely unique," Mr McWeeney said. 

Sheep on Curraghmore Farm in the Black Valley. Film producer and farmer Sandra Spethmann said: 'We need an internet connection of some kind, even if only to receive emails. But with high-speed fibre broadband, we will be able to watch cuts [of films] and share large digital files.' Picture: Curraghmore Farm

"It’s as challenging as you get, but it’s been really enjoyable too and I will cherish being involved in what is a little bit of history,” he said.

National Broadband Ireland chief executive TJ Malone said: “Black Valley is a symbol of NBI’s mission that no area will be left behind no matter how rural or remote and we are delighted that this beautiful location moves one step closer to high-speed fibre today, with all the opportunities that will unlock for the local community.”