High speed connectivity for castlebar and westport

TAOISEACH Enda Kenny has today officially launched SIRO - a joint venture between Vodafone and the ESB which aims to bring the highest speed broadband into homes across the country.

The plan involves 50 towns nationwide – including Castlebar and Westport - and will bring speeds of up to 1GB to 500,000 people.

Some 200 construction jobs will be involved in the delivery of the company as well as 60 jobs in the joint venture itself.

The fibre will be delivered along the ESB's existing overhead and underground electricity lines, meaning it will be available in the coming months.

Said the Taoiseach: “I am delighted that both Castlebar and Westport are two of the first 10 towns that will have access to a 1 Gigabit 100% fibre broadband connection, putting us on a par for high speed connectivity with leading international hubs such as Tokyo and Hong Kong.

“As a result both Castlebar and Westport will ultimately have the same economic opportunities as those that are available in Dublin. Online entrepreneurs will be able to establish companies in their hometown as opposed to having to move to a major city for internet connectivity and more SMEs will be able to get online and access the €6 billion spent by Irish consumers every year. 

“This project will also increase Ireland and Mayo's attractiveness as a destination for foreign direct investment.”

Earlier this week 1GB rural broadband was launched in Belcarra.