National Broadband Ireland has commenced construction of its fibre optic broadband network in the rural areas surrounding the town of Ballinasloe in both Co. Galway and Co. Roscommon says local TD, and architect of the National Broadband Plan, Denis Naughten.

“It is expected that the broadband connections will be available to rural homes in Ballinasloe and South Roscommon by summer, with pre-orders for connections being taken for connection to the 500mbps super high-speed broadband network from June next,” confirmed Denis Naughten.

The sub-contractors for National Broadband Ireland have now started to cut back hedges and lay fibre cable in ducting in areas surrounding the town of Ballinasloe such as Ballydangan, Creagh, Moore, Clonfad, Kilconnell, Ahascragh, Aughrim and Kiltomer. (see attached map)

“While this timeline has seen slippage of about 12 weeks as a result of Covid-19, and due to delays to the installation of telecoms infrastructure, National Broadband Ireland is hopeful it can make up some of this time during the construction of the local network. However, there still remains a risk to the completion dates due to the pandemic,” stated Denis Naughten.

“It is expected that the vast majority of connections to homes will be from the nearest eir telephone pole and it is important that homeowners make sure they can connect to the fibre when it comes to their door, by ensuring there are no trees etc blocking the route from their home to the nearest telephone pole or that any ducts are free of dirt and debris.

“While the initial build-out will start in the rural areas around Ballinasloe, work has already commenced around Roscommon Town with work in Athlone, other parts of South Roscommon and Carrick-on-Shannon taking place later in the year. These will be some of the first areas in the country to get this new broadband.

“The next phase of the build-out will include Castlerea, Elphin, Rooskey, Curraghboy, Cloonfad in West Roscommon and Newbridge, Co. Galway to complete the coverage of County Roscommon and East Galway.”

Further information on the National Broadband Plan can be found at www.nbi.ie and with your eircode you can register for updates.

ENDS.