Main broadband network build completed in Offaly

National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, and Offaly County Council have announced the completion of the National Broadband Plan (NBP)’s main infrastructure build works in Offaly.

The milestone marks a major step forward for communities across the county, with high-speed fibre broadband now available to homes, farms, businesses and schools in areas that previously had no access to reliable, high-speed connectivity.

With the completion of the main NBI infrastructure rollout, Offaly becomes the tenth county to reach this milestone as the nationwide deployment moves into its final phase ahead of completion later this year.

Speaking recently, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, TD said: “Offaly is a county with a proud agricultural heritage, strong communities and a vibrant local economy, brought into particular focus by the recent National Ploughing Championships, which took place in Screggan, Tullamore. With the main National Broadband Plan rollout complete, homes, farms, businesses and schools across the county now have access to the world-class digital connectivity they need to thrive.

“This €48 million Government investment means almost 13,000 premises across Offaly can access the high-speed fibre broadband they need to work, learn, do business and stay connected.

“For rural communities, this is about ensuring that where you live is no barrier to opportunity. The completion of the main National Broadband Plan infrastructure rollout ensures that communities across the county can now compete, connect, and grow on a level playing field with every region across the country.”

The milestone was marked at a briefing with Offaly County Council; An Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Declan Harvey; Clive Ryan, Director, Digital Connectivity Office, Department of Culture, Communications and Sport; TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer of National Broadband Ireland; and Eoghan Ryan, Chief Executive, Offaly County Council.

There are almost 13,000 premises in Co. Offaly that are included in the State’s Intervention Area, where NBI is delivering minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms and schools. The rollout represents €48 million of Government investment in the county, with over 4,400 premises already connected to the network.

An Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Declan Harvey, said: “The completion of the broadband rollout in Offaly is a fantastic achievement that will have a lasting impact for communities across our county. Access to reliable broadband is now a basic requirement of everyday life, supporting everything from work and education to accessing services and staying connected with friends and family.

“I want to thank everyone involved in making this possible, including the Minister, the Department, NBI, and my colleagues across Offaly County Council. A huge amount of work has gone into reaching this milestone, and it is important to recognise the collaboration and commitment of all those involved in a project of this scale.”

Eoghan Ryan, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, said: “The completion of the National Broadband Plan in Offaly represents a significant investment in our county’s future. It will open up new opportunities for communities and businesses right across the county.

“Offaly has a great deal to offer as a place to live, work, invest and raise a family, and having access to world-class digital infrastructure strengthens that proposition further. It will support existing businesses, create new opportunities for enterprise and remote working, and help ensure communities across the county can continue to grow and thrive.”

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland said: “The completion of the main network build in Offaly is a major milestone for the county and for everyone involved in delivering the National Broadband Plan. Through strong collaboration with Government, Offaly County Council and our delivery partners, almost 13,000 homes, farms, businesses and schools across the county can now access the NBI fibre broadband network.

“While the main network build is complete, the next step belongs to the people of Offaly. Over 4,400 premises are already connected, and we are seeing strong demand from homes, farms, and businesses who recognise the value of reliable, high-speed fibre broadband. If your home, farm, or business is now ready for connection, I would encourage you to contact your chosen broadband provider and place your order today. The infrastructure is in place, and now is the time to make the most of the opportunities that reliable, high-speed broadband can bring.”

With construction now at an advanced stage nationwide, NBI has confirmed that the main build of the fibre network remains on track for completion nationally by the end of this year. The network will enable high-speed broadband access for 566,000 homes, farms and businesses across rural Ireland, an increase of 29,000 premises from the original 537,000 identified at the time of contract signing.

Across the country, over 523,000 premises can now order broadband on the NBI network, with over 190,000 connections to date. In many areas where the network has been live for longer, take-up already surpasses 60%, reflecting strong national appetite for world-class fibre connectivity. Communities across Ireland are now able to access fibre broadband capable of supporting remote work, online learning, digital health services, agri-tech, tourism and local enterprise.

NBI is a wholesale network operator, meaning homes and businesses order services through broadband providers rather than directly from NBI.  Residents and businesses in NBI’s rollout area can check their Eircode on the NBI website to confirm availability and view the list of broadband providers offering services over the network and place an order directly with their preferred provider.