A milestone; this was how Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten, described the planned roll-out of high-speed fibre broadband to 115,000 premises in Ballinasloe, Roscommon town, Manorhamilton and a further six towns in Co. Donegal.
The enet-SSE roll-out plans were unveiled by Minister Naughten at an event in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.
The fibre network roll-out will connect 115,000 premises in two phases between now and 2019, and will support around 700 contractor jobs at peak delivery, according to the department.
The project represents a potential joint enet-SSE investment of more than €100 million.
Commenting on the matter, Minister Naughten said: “Today’s announcement is a significant boost for businesses and families in Ballinasloe and Roscommon town and across the northwest of the country. I want to thank enet and SSE for their commitment and investment.
“I am determined, as Communications Minister, that every premises in Ireland can access high-speed broadband as quickly as possible, through a combination of commercial and state-led investment.
“The venture I have announced today will significantly contribute to achieving this,” the minister said.
The roll-out will deliver world-class, super fast high-speed broadband to 115,000 premises – which will ensure communities are sustained and business’ can flourish in towns and rural Ireland.
“The commitment by enet and SSE to invest over €100 million upon completion of both phases of this network will support more than 700 construction jobs and a knock-on boost for local suppliers.
“As a wholesale open-access fibre network available to all of Ireland’s retail broadband providers, customers will have choice and competition,” concluded Minister Naughten.
For those wishing to learn more, further information is available on the enet-SSE website.