Irish Telecom News

Dermot Ahern, T.D., Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, today formally switched-on the new €9 million broadband network in Galway. It represents the largest investment in communications infrastructure in the city and has come in on time and within budget.

The 45 kms fibre network is now ready for business, providing world-class broadband services to commercial and industrial premises, schools, hospitals and private homes around the city and to Oranmore.

The Galway project is part of the €65 million towns national broadband initiative, which is 90% funded by the Government under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 and is co-funded by the EU under the European Regional Development Fund. In Galway, both the City Council and Co. Council are involved in the network. Nationally, 25 towns from Co Donegal to Cork, are being connected to the backbone broadband running through the country. The Minister is expected to announce shortly the appointment of a company to manage and sell on the communications links.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Ahern said: “Galway is widely recognised as a vibrant and thriving city that has enjoyed phenomenal growth in recent years. It is the fastest-growing city in Europe, and there is a tremendous spirit of energy and drive, with one-third of the population under the age of 19.”

“This year has seen a year of unprecedented investment in infrastructure by the Government, the European Regional Development Fund, and the local authorities. A year in which the number of broadband and flat rate customers increased from 1,000 to over 100,000, and is still growing dramatically.”

“And most importantly, a year in which broadband prices started to be realistic and affordable. Our decision to invest millions in broadband infrastructure was something of a leap of economic faith – not many people knew about broadband, or what use could be made of it, or the potential it offers for businesses, homes, schools and hospitals.

“Now, of course, the wheel has turned, the word is out, and everyone wants broadband. The availability of bandwidth in an area has become one of the main concerns among business people, SMEs, and development and enterprise boards.”

For further media information, please contact:

Richard Moore Press AdvisorOffice: +353 1 678 2440 Mobile: 087- 241 4751
Tom Mc Loughlin Press Officer Office +353 1 678 2441Mobile: 087-9370780
Tel: +353-1-6782446 ¨ Fax: +353-1-6782739 ¨ E-Mail: press.office@dcmnr.gov.ie

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