O’Shea Welcomes National Broadband Plan Progress as Almost 4,000 premises near Macroom set to Access Fibre Broadband

Cork North West TD encourages homes, businesses and farms to check eligibility and pre-order connections

Deputy John Paul O’Shea TD has welcomed the announcement by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that almost 4,000 homes, businesses and farms in the Macroom area are set to gain access to high-speed fibre broadband through the National Broadband Plan.

The announcement, made this week, confirms that 3,966 premises in the Macroom area, including the townlands and rural surrounds of Macroom, Kilberrihert and Slievereagh, can now pre-order a fibre broadband connection.

Deputy O’Shea said the development represents an important step forward for rural communities, helping to ensure that households, farmers and businesses have access to the reliable, high-speed connectivity increasingly required in modern life.

“This is very welcome news for the Macroom area and the surrounding rural communities. Access to reliable, high-speed broadband is essential for households, businesses, farmers, students and those working remotely.

“The fact that almost 4,000 premises in this area can now pre-order a fibre connection is a significant development. Good broadband infrastructure is vital to supporting rural communities, creating opportunities for local businesses and ensuring that people can continue to live and work in rural Cork without being disadvantaged by their location.

“The National Broadband Plan is an important investment in the future of rural Ireland, and I welcome the progress being made in bringing this infrastructure to communities across Cork North West.”

NBI has also confirmed that almost 78,500 premises across County Cork can now avail of a high-speed connection, with 24,746 connections already made throughout the county. Fibre broadband works have been completed in many rural areas, including Grenagh and Ballingeary.

Deputy O’Shea continued: “While it is encouraging to see the rollout progressing, I would urge anyone in the Macroom area and elsewhere in Cork North West who has not yet checked their eligibility to do so.

“People can visit www.nbi.ie to check their premises and register for updates as the rollout progresses. NBI has also confirmed that more than 50 retail broadband providers are available on its network, meaning customers can choose a provider and package that suits their needs.

“Improving connectivity is about more than faster internet speeds. It is about giving rural families, farms and businesses the same opportunities to work, learn and grow as those in our towns and cities.”

Deputy O’Shea noted that the transition to fibre infrastructure is increasingly important as older copper telephone and broadband networks are gradually phased out.

He added: “We must continue to invest in modern telecommunications infrastructure and ensure rural communities are not left behind. I will continue to welcome progress on the National Broadband Plan and encourage people to take advantage of the opportunities that become available in their area.”