Over 16,000 Cork Properties Now Connected to High-Speed Fibre Broadband

Rural communities across Cork, including remote areas like Eyeries on the Beara Peninsula, are joining the digital revolution as National Broadband Ireland reports significant progress in connecting the county to future-proofed internet infrastructure.

National Broadband Ireland (NBI) announced today that over 16,000 Cork homes, farms and businesses have successfully connected to their high-speed fibre network, with almost 52,000 premises now able to order or pre-order reliable broadband services across the county.

The milestone represents substantial progress in the Government's €314 million investment in Cork's digital infrastructure under the National Broadband Plan. When complete, 82,000 homes, businesses, farms and schools across Cork will have access to high-speed fibre broadband in what officials describe as the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification.

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

"We are delighted to announce that over 16,000 Cork premises have connected to the NBI network, while almost 52,000 homes, farms and businesses can now place an order for high-speed broadband through the NBI. This includes rural communities across the county, such as Eyeries on the Beara Peninsula."

The rollout has exceeded expectations nationwide, with NBI passing over 400,000 premises across rural Ireland and connecting over 143,000 properties. The average take-up rate of 35% surpasses projections and international comparisons, reaching over 60% in areas where the network has been operational for 18 months.

Malone emphasised the transformative impact on rural communities:

"High-speed fibre broadband is transforming rural communities, making it easier for people to return home, stay connected, and thrive. Families can live closer to loved ones without sacrificing opportunities, businesses can expand through e-commerce and remote work, and farmers can embrace smart technology to enhance their operations."

Cork residents can check their eligibility by visiting nbi.ie/map and entering their Eircode to determine connection availability. The company encourages people to register for email alerts at nbi.ie/eoi/ to receive updates on estimated connection dates for their specific area.

As a wholesale network operator, NBI doesn't sell broadband directly to consumers but enables services through retail providers. Currently, 72 Retail Service Providers have signed up to offer services on the NBI network, with 66 certified to provide connections. A full list of licensed providers is available at NBI.ie/buy.

The infrastructure rollout includes 955 Broadband Connection Points across Ireland, providing free public internet access at community centres, sports clubs and tourist sites. In Cork, these include Glengarriff Community Centre, Laharn Heritage Centre and Coláiste Phobal Cléire.

The network promises to unlock new possibilities for Cork's rural communities, from mobile working and e-learning to digital tourism and smart farming technologies, ensuring the county remains competitive in an increasingly connected world.