Bantry and Schull Get Connected as High-Speed Fibre Broadband Goes Live

West Cork has taken a significant step into the digital age, with almost 6,200 homes, farms and businesses near Bantry and Schull now able to connect to high-speed fibre broadband through the National Broadband Plan.

National Broadband Ireland (NBI) confirmed today, 27 February 2026, that works in the Bantry and Schull areas have been completed, bringing the total number of Cork premises able to order or pre-order high-speed fibre broadband to 62,677. Of those, 19,685 connections have already been made across the county.

The rollout forms part of the Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP), which is delivering fibre broadband to rural and remote parts of Ireland where commercial operators have no plans to invest. In Cork alone, 83,000 premises fall within the plan's Intervention Area, with the Government committing €314 million to the county, described as the biggest investment in rural Ireland since the arrival of rural electrification.

Works have also been completed in rural areas surrounding Carrigaline and Midleton, further expanding coverage across the county.

The NBI network delivers minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second, supporting remote working, online education, healthcare access and local enterprise. With the national switch-off of the older copper telephone and broadband network on the horizon, the move to fibre is being positioned not just as an upgrade, but as a necessity.

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

"We are delighted to announce that almost 6,200 Cork homes, businesses and farms near Bantry and Schull can now connect to NBI's high-speed fibre broadband. Those connected are experiencing the life-changing benefits of high-speed fibre broadband with minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second."

He added:

"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 451,000 homes, farms and businesses, with more than 166,000 connected. The average take-up rate of 36% is ahead of projections and international comparisons, with some areas exceeding 60% where the network has been live for 18 months or more.

NBI operates as a wholesale network provider, meaning it does not sell broadband directly to customers. Instead, over 50 retail broadband providers are available on the NBI network. Residents can visit nbi.ie to check their Eircode, find a provider, and sign up for email updates on when their premises will be ready to connect.

The main rollout is due to be completed by the end of 2026.