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 latest Government update confirming that the National Broadband Plan (NBP) is now on track to be delivered ahead of schedule and within its €2.7 billion budget.

Minister Canney, who was centrally involved in the creation of the NBP in 2019 as Minister of State for Natural Resources, Community Affairs and Digital Development and Chair of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce, alongside the then Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton, said the rollout of high-speed broadband to rural and remote areas is now “making a real difference for homes, schools, farms and businesses across the country.”

“Back in 2019, the NBP was the biggest single capital investment in the state. It is very encouraging to see that vision becoming a reality – and ahead of time. This plan is changing lives and bringing opportunity to every corner of Ireland.”

To date, over 373,000 premises in the Intervention Area have been passed by fibre – representing more than 66% of the overall target. The Intervention Area refers to the specific areas across Ireland where commercial telecom providers have not committed to delivering high-speed broadband — and therefore where the State is stepping in to ensure service is delivered. Over 132,000 connections have already been completed, and monthly connection rates are now exceeding initial projections, with more than 4,000 homes and businesses joining the network every month.

Minister Canney acknowledged that while the rollout is progressing well, some communities are still waiting for connectivity.

“I understand the frustration in areas that are still waiting. But we are moving in the right direction – and today’s figures show that we are not only on track, we’re ahead of it.”

The Programme for Government set out an objective to complete the NBP rollout by the end of 20206 and it is expected that this will be achieved – one year earlier than the original contract end date of October 2027. The economic benefit of the NBP has also grown substantially, with the revised business case now estimating a total value of up to €5.9 billion – compared to €4.4 billion in 2019.

“This is a good news story – not only for rural Ireland, but for the State. It proves that major national infrastructure can be delivered with accountability, impact, and ambition.”