Minister Canney welcomes major EU investment in Galway digital infrastructure

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 the announcement of €35 million in EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding for digital infrastructure, noting that more than €31 million of the total will directly benefit Galway and the wider West.

The funding includes:

• €12,281,625 for Atlantic Technological University (ATU) to advance its 5G Scalable Hubs and virtual digital lab.

• €18,932,210 for the PISCES subsea cable system, which has a landing point in Galway and will strengthen high-capacity links between Ireland, Portugal, Spain and France.

Minister Canney said the investment represents an important step in strengthening the region’s digital capacity and supporting long-term economic development.

“I’m very pleased to see such a substantial portion of this funding coming to Galway. ATU’s project will expand access to advanced training and create new opportunities for students, apprentices and industry partners, including those in rural communities. The PISCES subsea cable is equally significant, ensuring Galway has the international connectivity needed to support future growth. Together, these projects will deliver real and lasting benefits for the West.”

A further €3.5 million has also been awarded for the 5G Emerald Motorway Corridor project along the Dundalk-Rosslare route.

The Minister said today’s announcement underlines the importance of Ireland’s engagement with EU digital programmes.

“Having just returned from the EU Transport Council in Brussels, where CEF was high on the agenda, today’s announcement really reinforces how vital these EU programmes are for Ireland. These investments show the practical benefits of EU partnership and will help ensure that communities in Galway and across the country have access to modern, reliable digital infrastructure.”