National Broadband Ireland is currently completing construction of its fibre optic broadband network in the rural areas surrounding the town of Ballinasloe in both counties Galway and Roscommon with companies now taking pre-orders for connections, says local TD, and architect of the National Broadband Plan, Denis Naughten.

There are approximately 3100 premises in the Ballinasloe area such as Ballydangan, Creagh, Moore, Clonfad, Kilconnell, Ahascragh, Aughrim and Kiltomer (see attached map) and all rural homes can make pre-orders for connections to the 1000mbps super high-speed broadband network

Of these 3100 premises about 700 have the network to their door fully built and those who have ordered broadband will start to see the fibre installed in their home from the beginning of October onwards.

“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,” explained Denis Naughten.

“While the initial local build-out started 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 over the coming months. These will be some of the first areas in the country to get this new pure fibre broadband service.

“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 you can register for updates using your eircode.