The government has just signed the contract for the National Broadband Plan.
It aims to bring high-speed internet to 1.1 million people, largely in rural Ireland.
Work will begin immediately and over 90% of premises in the State will have access to high speed broadband within the next four years #NationalBroadbandPlan #ProjectIreland2040
— Richard Bruton (@RichardbrutonTD) November 19, 2019
Cabinet Ministers met from early this morning to sign off on the National Broadband Plan contract.
Communications Minister Richard Bruton has tweeted that today is an "historic day for Ireland", which is the biggest investment in country areas since rural electrification.
The roll-out of high-speed broadband will start within eight weeks from today.
Around 300 community centres, schools, library hubs and local GAA halls in every county in Ireland will be connected to high-speed broadband during 2020.
The #NationalBroadbandPlan Contract - the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, being signed by an Taoiseach, Minister Bruton and National Broadband Irelands, David McCourt with sixth class students from St Kevins National School. #Ireland2040 pic.twitter.com/3JEWv2DzKG
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) November 19, 2019
The project will cost almost €3 billion.
By the end of next year National Broadband Ireland will pass approximately 10,000 premises.
By the end of 2021, National Broadband Ireland plans to pass approximately 115,000 premises.
Approximately 70,000-100,000 premises will be passed each year thereafter with the final premises to be completed in 2026.
