Almost 8,300 West Cork Premises Can Now Order High-Speed Fibre Broadband

Almost 8,300 rural homes, farms and businesses across West Cork can now place an order for high-speed fibre broadband, National Broadband Ireland (NBI) has confirmed, with the final 500 premises in the region due to be completed in the coming months.

NBI, which is delivering the Fibre-to-the-Home network under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) on behalf of the Government, said the rollout in West Cork is now almost complete. The remaining 500 rural premises still to connect are in areas including Bantry Bay, Bere Island, the Beara Peninsula and the Sheep's Head Peninsula. Works have already been completed in much of the rural county, including Schull and Skibbereen.

Across County Cork as a whole, more than 77,000 premises can now avail of a high-speed connection, with 23,841 connections made to date. Cork falls within the State's Intervention Area, covering the most remote and rural parts of Ireland where commercial operators have no plans to deliver high-speed broadband. The Intervention Area includes 83,000 premises in Cork, and NBI's network delivers minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms and schools. County Cork is set to receive €314 million in Government investment under the plan.

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer of National Broadband Ireland, said:

"We are delighted to announce that National Broadband Plan rollout is nearing completion in West Cork as almost 8,300 can place an order for a high-speed broadband connection today, with the final 500 premises in the region due to be completed in coming months. Those connected are experiencing the life-changing benefits of high-speed fibre broadband with minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second."

He added:

"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 phase of the National Broadband Plan rollout, we're encouraging everyone in County 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 more than 527,000 homes, farms and businesses, of which over 191,000 are connected, giving an average take-up rate of 36 per cent. The main national rollout is due to conclude by the end of this year. More than 50 retail broadband providers currently sell services on the NBI network.Residents can check their eligibility by entering their Eircode at nbi.ie, where they can also sign up for email alerts on when their premises will be ready to order.