New fibre broadband network

Press Statement May 14th 2015

Roscommon Town and Carrick-on-Shannon to be included in first phase of new fibre broadband network 

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, said today that  Roscommon Town and Carrick-on-Shannon are to be included in the first phase of Ireland’s first 100% fibre-to-the-building broadband network, offering speeds from 200 Mbps to 1000 Mbps to 500,000 premises in fifty regional towns, revolutionising the broadband market in Ireland.  An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny and Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White unveiled SIRO as the new brand of ESB and Vodafone Ireland’s fibre broadband joint venture company.   

“Roscommon Town and Carrick-on-Shannon are to be included in the first phase of this new broadband venture which is set to deliver the most powerful network in the country.  SIRO, backed by Vodafone and ESB, is investing €450 million in building Ireland’s first 100% fibre-to-the-building broadband network, offering speeds from 200 Mbps to 1000 Mbps to 500,000 premises in fifty regional towns, revolutionising the broadband market in Ireland.

“This phase is expected to be fully rolled-out by the end of 2018 and is part of the Government’s National Broadband Plan. SIRO’s 100% fibre-to-the-building broadband network will be deployed on ESB’s existing overhead and underground infrastructure, ensuring a fast and cost efficient roll-out to every county in Ireland and reversing the digital divide between the capital and regional towns.  

“Fine Gael in Government believes that high speed broadband is a necessity for all Irish homes and businesses as we aim to reach full employment by 2018.  These developments are part of National Broadband Plan, which is in the process of delivering high speed broadband to every home, school and business in Ireland, regardless of its location.

“This is a very positive development that will drive welcome competition in the market and much needed investment in broadband infrastructure across regional Ireland.” 

ENDS

Contact Deputy Feighan on (086) 833 1234.