13 May 2025

Community Fund

125,000 homes, farms, and businesses already connected to high-speed fibre under National Broadband Plan

Over 360,000 premises passed by NBI Network and can now order as rollout accelerates

National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP), has today announced that over 125,000 premises across Ireland are now connected to its high-speed fibre broadband network. There are now 361,101 homes, farms and businesses that have been passed with NBI fibre out of the 564,000 currently included in the NBP Intervention Area.

People living and working in the rollout area can connect to high-speed fibre broadband on the NBI Network through a choice of 50 different broadband providers actively selling on the network. Everyone can enter their Eircode on the NBI website, www.nbi.ie, to see if their home or business is included in the rollout, as well as seeing the broadband providers offering high-speed fibre connectivity in their area.

As the rollout phase of NBI’s network nears completion, take-up rates continue to grow. NBI has now completed the preliminary survey works required for the entire Intervention Area and the rollout is on track to pass over 420,000 premises by the end of this year. More than 125,000 premises have now connected to the NBI Network, with the average take-up rate of 35% well ahead of projections and international comparisons. The connection rate surpasses 50% in areas where the NBI Network has been live for longer.

Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, said: “This milestone underlines the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every corner of the State has access to world-class digital infrastructure. With over 125,000 connections now live under the National Broadband Plan, we are seeing the benefits of this investment throughout rural Ireland.”

“Whether it’s supporting remote working, helping local businesses expand, or giving students new ways to learn, high-speed broadband is transforming lives and unlocking new opportunities for communities across the country.”

David McCourt, Chairman, National Broadband Ireland said: “The National Broadband Plan is providing rural Ireland with the same access to digital opportunities as our cities. With 125,000 premises already connected to the NBI Network, this project is making a tangible difference to rural areas that have been anticipating reliable, high-speed connectivity.”

“In every decision that NBI has taken to deliver the Irish Government’s National Broadband Plan, we’ve provided a blueprint for other nations to follow on their path to full fibre connectivity and that includes our unique approach to educating consumers and creating demand for services on our network.”

Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: “This is a proud moment for NBI and communities across Ireland as 125,000 homes, farms and businesses are now connected to our world-class fibre broadband network.”

“These connections are already making a significant difference – enabling remote working, online learning, digital entrepreneurship, and so much more. The demand is strong, and we’re focused on maintaining momentum and delivering access to even more people this year.”

Sheila Murray is the owner of Murrays Recycled Plastic Ltd, a family-owned business, based in Glenisland, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Murrays designs and manufactures maintenance-free, durable, lifelong products made from 100% recycled plastic boards. This includes outdoor garden furniture, decking, fencing, raised beds and gates. The company employs 15+ people and supplies both domestic and commercial customers. Murrays are Ireland’s leading supplier of premium-quality, maintenance free recycled plastic products, built to last a lifetime.

The company is leveraging high-speed broadband delivered under the National Broadband Plan to grow its brand and engage new audiences. Reliable fibre connectivity has enabled Sheila and her team to develop new digital marketing skills and build social media strategies to promote their brand online and attract new eco-conscious customers.

Sheila Murray said: “Better broadband has opened the door to digital marketing for our business. We’re now creating more engaging content, reaching more potential customers online, and helping to educate the market on the benefits of sustainable outdoor products.”

“For a rural business like ours, high-speed broadband levels the playing field. We can now compete with bigger brands and showcase our products nationally, all while supporting employment here in the local community.”

All stats are correct as of 29 April 2025. For the latest stats on the NBI rollout, please see www.nbi.ie – noting that the NBP Intervention Area currently stands at 564,000 premises, up from 537,000 at time of contract signing.

Paul Cunnane, Westnet CEO said: “We have been providing broadband services to Murray’s Recycled Plastic for the past fifteen years, and we were delighted to be able to upgrade them to fibre broadband when NBI made it available. High speed fibre broadband is enabling innovative businesses like Murrays to thrive in the rural west, and we’re proud to be a part of that transformation.”

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