How Ireland is Closing the Digital Divide and Accelerating Nationwide Broadband Access

• Ireland’s Evolving Internet Landscape
• Emerging Technologies Powering Next-Gen Connectivity
• Key Players and Shifting Market Dynamics
• Projected Expansion and Adoption Rates
• Urban-Rural Disparities and Localised Progress
• Anticipated Developments in Irish Broadband
• Barriers to Progress and Areas for Innovation
• Sources & References

“Ireland has undergone a dramatic transformation in internet connectivity, achieving near-universal internet usage and high speeds by 2025.” (source)

Ireland’s Evolving Internet Landscape

Ireland’s internet landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade, evolving from a patchwork of rural blackspots to a nation on the cusp of universal high-speed connectivity. Historically, Ireland lagged behind its European peers in broadband access, with rural communities particularly disadvantaged. In 2019, only 63% of rural households had access to high-speed broadband, compared to 96% in urban areas (CSO).

The turning point came with the launch of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) in late 2019, a €2.7 billion government initiative aimed at delivering high-speed broadband to every home and business in the country. The NBP’s ambitious target is to connect over 560,000 premises in rural and underserved areas by 2026, with significant milestones already achieved. As of early 2024, over 200,000 premises have been passed, and the rollout is accelerating (Government of Ireland).

Urban areas have also seen major upgrades, with commercial providers like Eir, Virgin Media, and SIRO investing heavily in fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) networks. By mid-2023, over 1.2 million Irish homes and businesses had access to gigabit broadband, representing more than 60% of all premises (ComReg). The average fixed broadband speed in Ireland now exceeds 150 Mbps, a figure that is expected to rise sharply as fibre coverage expands (Speedtest Global Index).

• Rural transformation: The NBP is bridging the digital divide, with rural broadband speeds set to match or exceed urban averages by 2025.
• 5G expansion: All major mobile operators have launched 5G services, with coverage reaching over 70% of the population (ComReg 5G).
• Digital economy boost: Enhanced connectivity is driving remote work, e-learning, and digital entrepreneurship, positioning Ireland as a European digital leader.

By 2025, Ireland is poised to complete its internet revolution, ensuring that blazing broadband is no longer a privilege of the few but a fundamental utility for all, from the heart of Dublin to the remotest corners of Donegal.

Emerging Technologies Powering Next-Gen Connectivity

Ireland is undergoing a transformative shift in its digital landscape, driven by ambitious government initiatives and rapid technological advancements. Historically, rural Ireland has struggled with connectivity blackspots, hampering economic growth and social inclusion. However, by 2025, the nation is poised to achieve near-universal high-speed broadband coverage, marking a significant milestone in its internet revolution.

The cornerstone of this transformation is the National Broadband Plan (NBP), a €2.7 billion government-backed project launched in 2019. The NBP aims to deliver minimum speeds of 500 Mbps to over 560,000 premises in rural and underserved areas, covering approximately 96% of Ireland’s landmass. As of early 2024, over 200,000 homes and businesses have already been connected, with the rollout accelerating due to streamlined planning and deployment processes (RTÉ News).

Emerging technologies are at the heart of this connectivity surge. Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) is the primary technology, offering gigabit speeds and future-proofing Ireland’s digital infrastructure. In parallel, 5G mobile networks are expanding rapidly, with all major operators—Eir, Vodafone, and Three—now providing 5G coverage to over 70% of the population (ComReg). These networks leverage advanced spectrum management and network slicing, enabling ultra-low latency and supporting next-generation applications such as IoT, smart agriculture, and telemedicine.

Satellite broadband is also playing a complementary role, particularly in remote and island communities. Providers like Starlink have begun offering high-speed, low-latency internet, bridging the final connectivity gaps (Silicon Republic).

The impact of these advancements is profound. According to the Central Statistics Office, household broadband adoption reached 96% in 2023, up from 92% in 2021. This surge is enabling remote work, digital education, and e-commerce, narrowing the urban-rural digital divide and positioning Ireland as a leader in digital connectivity within the EU.

Key Players and Shifting Market Dynamics

Ireland’s internet landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, driven by ambitious government initiatives and aggressive investment from both public and private sectors. Historically, rural Ireland lagged behind urban centers, with “blackspots” where broadband was slow or non-existent. However, the rollout of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) is rapidly closing this digital divide, promising high-speed connectivity to over 560,000 premises in remote areas by 2025.

• National Broadband Ireland (NBI): As the primary contractor for the NBP, NBI is deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network across rural Ireland. By early 2024, NBI had passed over 200,000 premises, with the pace accelerating towards the 2025 target (NBI).
• Eir: Ireland’s largest telecom operator continues to expand its own fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network, aiming to reach 1.9 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026. Eir’s investment complements the NBP, particularly in suburban and urban areas (Eir).
• SIRO: A joint venture between ESB and Vodafone, SIRO leverages the national electricity infrastructure to deliver gigabit broadband. As of 2024, SIRO’s network covers over 500,000 premises, with expansion into smaller towns and rural communities underway (SIRO).
• Virgin Media: Focused on urban and suburban markets, Virgin Media offers some of the fastest broadband speeds in Ireland, recently launching 2Gbps services in select areas (Virgin Media).
• Starlink: Elon Musk’s satellite internet service is gaining traction in Ireland’s most remote locations, providing an alternative where terrestrial networks are not yet available (RTÉ).

These key players are reshaping Ireland’s digital future. The competitive landscape is intensifying, with providers racing to offer faster speeds, lower latency, and broader coverage. As a result, Ireland is on track to become one of Europe’s most connected nations by 2025, with rural communities finally enjoying the same blazing broadband as their urban counterparts.

Projected Expansion and Adoption Rates

Ireland is undergoing a significant transformation in its digital infrastructure, with ambitious plans to eliminate rural connectivity gaps and deliver high-speed broadband nationwide by 2025. The cornerstone of this initiative is the National Broadband Plan (NBP), a €2.7 billion government-backed project aiming to connect over 560,000 premises in rural and underserved areas. As of early 2024, more than 200,000 homes and businesses have already been passed by the NBP network, with the rollout accelerating to meet the 2025 target (Government of Ireland).

According to the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), Ireland’s fixed broadband subscriptions reached 1.6 million by the end of 2023, representing a penetration rate of 89% among households. The adoption of high-speed connections is also surging: over 60% of broadband subscriptions now deliver speeds above 100 Mbps, a figure expected to rise sharply as fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) coverage expands.

• Rural Expansion: The NBP’s focus on rural blackspots is projected to increase rural broadband coverage from 70% in 2023 to over 95% by the end of 2025 (National Broadband Ireland).
• Urban Upgrades: Major providers like Eir, SIRO, and Virgin Media are investing in gigabit-capable networks, with urban gigabit coverage expected to reach 85% of premises by 2025 (SIRO).
• Adoption Rates: The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications forecasts that by 2025, over 90% of Irish households will have access to high-speed broadband, with adoption rates closely tracking availability (National Digital Strategy).

This rapid expansion is expected to have a transformative impact on Ireland’s economy and society, enabling remote work, digital education, and e-health services even in the most remote communities. As the 2025 deadline approaches, Ireland is on track to become one of Europe’s most digitally connected nations, bridging the urban-rural divide and unlocking new opportunities for innovation and growth.

Urban-Rural Disparities and Localised Progress

Ireland’s journey from patchy rural connectivity to a nation on the brink of universal high-speed broadband is a defining feature of its digital transformation. Historically, the “urban-rural digital divide” was stark: in 2019, just 55% of rural households had access to high-speed broadband, compared to 92% in urban areas (CSO). This gap limited economic opportunities, education, and social inclusion for rural communities.

The launch of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) in late 2019 marked a turning point. With a €2.7 billion investment, the NBP aims to deliver minimum speeds of 500 Mbps to over 560,000 premises in rural and remote areas by 2026. As of early 2024, over 200,000 premises have been passed, with the rollout accelerating and on track for substantial completion by 2025 (RTÉ).

Urban areas, meanwhile, have seen rapid upgrades, with gigabit fibre now available to over 80% of homes and businesses in cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway (Open Eir). The competitive market, featuring providers such as SIRO, Virgin Media, and Eir, has driven down prices and increased speeds, with average fixed broadband speeds nationwide now exceeding 150 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index).

• Education: Rural schools now benefit from high-speed connections, enabling digital learning and remote teaching.
• Business: SMEs in rural Ireland can access cloud services, e-commerce, and remote work opportunities, narrowing the economic gap with urban centres.
• Healthcare: Telemedicine and e-health services are expanding beyond cities, improving rural healthcare access.

Despite progress, challenges remain. Some isolated areas face delays due to complex terrain and planning issues. However, Ireland’s commitment to bridging the digital divide is clear, with the government and private sector targeting near-universal gigabit coverage by 2025. This transformation is set to redefine rural life, making high-speed internet a reality for all (Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications).

Anticipated Developments in Irish Broadband

Ireland is on the cusp of a transformative leap in broadband connectivity, with 2025 poised to mark a significant milestone in the nation’s digital landscape. Historically, rural Ireland has lagged behind urban centers, plagued by “blackspots” where slow or unreliable internet hindered economic growth, education, and social inclusion. However, a combination of ambitious government initiatives and private sector investment is rapidly closing this digital divide.

The cornerstone of this transformation is the National Broadband Plan (NBP), a €2.7 billion project launched in 2019. The NBP aims to deliver high-speed broadband to over 560,000 premises in rural and underserved areas, representing approximately 23% of all Irish homes and businesses. As of early 2024, over 200,000 premises have been passed, with the rollout accelerating and full completion targeted for 2026—though the majority of connections are expected by the end of 2025 (RTÉ).

Private operators are also playing a pivotal role. Companies like SIRO and Eir are investing heavily in fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) infrastructure, with SIRO alone targeting one million premises by 2026. Eir’s “Fibre to the Home” network already covers over 1.1 million homes and businesses, with plans to reach 1.9 million by 2026 (Eir Pressroom).

These efforts are yielding tangible results. According to the ComReg Q4 2023 report, fibre broadband subscriptions grew by 34.6% year-on-year, now accounting for 44.2% of all fixed broadband connections. Average fixed broadband speeds have surpassed 150 Mbps, with gigabit services becoming increasingly common even in previously underserved regions.

Looking ahead to 2025, Ireland is expected to achieve near-universal high-speed broadband coverage. This “internet revolution” will empower rural communities, enable remote work and digital entrepreneurship, and support the government’s vision for a balanced, digitally inclusive society. The shift from rural blackspots to blazing broadband is set to redefine Ireland’s economic and social fabric in the coming year.

Barriers to Progress and Areas for Innovation

Ireland’s journey toward nationwide high-speed internet has been marked by significant barriers, but also by opportunities for innovation. Historically, rural areas have lagged behind urban centers, with “blackspots” where broadband access was unreliable or nonexistent. According to the Central Statistics Office, as of 2022, 94% of urban households had internet access compared to just 89% in rural areas, highlighting a persistent digital divide.

One of the main barriers has been the high cost and logistical complexity of deploying fiber infrastructure across Ireland’s dispersed rural population. The National Broadband Plan (NBP), launched in 2019, aims to address this by investing €2.7 billion to connect over 560,000 premises. However, rollout delays and supply chain disruptions—exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic—have slowed progress. As of early 2024, only about 35% of targeted premises had been connected, according to RTÉ News.

Another challenge is the “last mile” problem: reaching remote homes and businesses where traditional fiber is not economically viable. This has spurred innovation in alternative technologies. Fixed wireless access (FWA) and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite services, such as Starlink, are increasingly being used to bridge gaps. The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) reported a 22% year-on-year increase in FWA subscriptions in 2023, reflecting growing demand for flexible solutions.

Looking ahead to 2025, areas for innovation include:

• Smart Infrastructure: Leveraging AI and IoT to optimize network performance and maintenance, reducing downtime and costs.
• Community Broadband Initiatives: Local cooperatives and public-private partnerships can accelerate deployment in hard-to-reach areas.
• Green Networking: Integrating renewable energy into broadband infrastructure to reduce environmental impact, aligning with Ireland’s climate goals (Climate Action Plan 2023).

While significant barriers remain, Ireland’s internet revolution is poised for a breakthrough, with innovation and targeted investment set to deliver blazing broadband to even the most remote communities by 2025.

Sources & References

• Ireland’s Internet Revolution: From Rural Blackspots to Blazing Broadband in 2025
• Central Statistics Office
• Speedtest Global Index
• Silicon Republic
• NBI
• Eir Pressroom
• SIRO
• Virgin Media
• National Broadband Ireland
• SIRO
• Open Eir
• Starlink