Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed significant progress in the rollout of high-speed fibre broadband in the Belclare area following confirmation from National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that 3,722 premises will benefit from the latest phase of the National Broadband Plan.

The update follows the installation of a new exchange at the Community Sports Field in Belclare.

According to NBI, approximately 3,000 premises are expected to be ready for connection by mid-August, with a further 700 premises due to become available by mid-September. Around 2,500 premises have already been eligible to pre-order services since June 15^th.

Having played a key role in the development of the National Broadband Plan as Minister of State for Natural Resources, Community Affairs and Digital Development, Minister Canney said it was particularly pleasing to see the benefits of that investment being delivered in his own local area.

Minister Canney said: “This is very welcome news for the Belclare area and surrounding communities. High-speed broadband is now an essential service for families, businesses, farmers and students.

“As someone who was involved in the development of the National Broadband Plan, it is especially satisfying to see thousands of local homes and businesses gaining access to reliable fibre broadband in my own local area.

Minister Canney encouraged residents and businesses to check their Eircode on the NBI website for updates on connection and pre-order availability.