North County set to receive further ‘Next Generation’ investment by 2015

Towns in north county Dublin will receive further investment in telecommunications infrastructure between now and 2015 as part of a national roll out of next generation broadband services, according to Alan Farrell, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal. Deputy Farrell has welcomed this timely announcement on foot of today’s launch of Government’s National Digital Strategy, aimed at a country wide adoption of digital engagement and building hardware that will focus on meeting modern day demand.

“Eircom’s ‘Network for a Nation’ programme is a five year, €1.5 billion investment in telecommunications infrastructure, with almost €400 million being invested to deliver dedicated Next Generation Access fibre powered broadband to 1.2 million businesses and homes nationwide by June 2015.

“This service is being introduced on a phased basis in Dublin Fingal. Swords and Donabate were on of the first towns to receive this service in May of this year, followed Balbriggan in June/July. By June 2015, it will be introduced in Malahide, Portmarnock and at Dublin Airport.

“Investment in this infrastructure is of critical importance for the competitiveness of the county and its return to economic growth. It will enable business to locate and enable their presence in areas across the county, and will provide further upgrades to home technology.

“I commend Eircom for its vision for the future of communication technology and welcome its phased investment in Dublin Fingal. This scheme is representative of the national government strategy to expand the digital sector in Ireland for businesses and customers. Digital is growing at a rate of 16% per year, currently accounting for 4.4% of GDP and supports 95,000 jobs.

“The combination of investment in broadband infrastructure as well as Government’s Digital strategy will continue Ireland’s success in the digital sphere, boosting economic growth and encouraging further e-commerce success and investment.”

More details of the National Digital Strategy, the full text and Indecon report as well as audio visual case studies can be accessed at www.dcenr.gov.ie/nds