6,000 More Cork Homes, Farms and Businesses Can Now Order High-Speed Fibre Broadband

Thousands more rural Cork properties can now connect to high-speed fibre broadband, as National Broadband Ireland (NBI) announces a significant expansion of its network across the county.

A further 6,000 homes, businesses, and farms in areas surrounding Dunmanway, Charleville, Kilcrohane, and rural areas north of Cork City are now able to order a high-speed fibre connection on the NBI network. The announcement brings the total number of Cork premises able to pre-order or order the service to 72,400, with 21,439 connections made to date.

The latest phase includes over 2,000 premises near Charleville, almost 1,900 near Dunmanway, almost 400 near Kilcrohane, and 1,700 in rural areas north of Cork City. Works have also been completed in most rural areas across the county, including those near Clonakilty, Skibbereen, and Mitchelstown.

NBI is delivering broadband infrastructure to what is known as the State's Intervention Area, covering the most remote and rural parts of Ireland where commercial operators have no plans to provide high-speed broadband. Cork's Intervention Area includes 83,000 premises, with NBI committed to delivering minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools across the county.

The rollout represents a €314 million Government investment in Cork under the National Broadband Plan, described as the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification.

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland:

"With the national switch-off of the copper network approaching, NBI's fibre network will ensure communities across Ireland are prepared for the future by supporting remote working, education, healthcare access, and local enterprise while providing the reliability needed for everyday living.

"As we enter the final year of the National Broadband Plan rollout, we're encouraging everyone in Cork to check their Eircode on nbi.ie and order now to secure high-speed fibre broadband for their home or business."

Nationally, NBI has now passed over 491,000 homes, farms, and businesses, with over 179,000 now connected. The average take-up rate of 37% is ahead of projections and international comparisons, surpassing 60% in areas where the network has been live the longest.

The main rollout is due to be concluded by the end of this year, with remaining premises able to place orders in the coming months. As a wholesale network provider, NBI does not sell broadband directly to customers; over 50 retail broadband providers are currently available on the NBI network.

Cork residents can check their Eircode and register for updates at nbi.ie.