National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, and Waterford City and County Council have today announced the completion of the National Broadband Plan’s main infrastructure build works in Co. Waterford.

The milestone marks a major step forward for rural communities across the county, with high-speed fibre broadband now available to homes, farms, businesses and schools in areas that previously had no access to reliable, high-speed connectivity.

Waterford is the latest county to reach this stage of the National Broadband Plan rollout, following recent county completion milestones in Kilkenny, Longford, Tipperary, Meath and Westmeath as the national programme moves through its final phase of delivery.

Speaking recently, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, TD said: “Waterford has always looked outward, from its history as Ireland’s oldest city to its thriving business, tourism, and agricultural sectors today. The completion of the main National Broadband Plan infrastructure rollout ensures that communities across the county can now compete, connect, and grow on a level playing field with every region across the country.

“This Government investment of €59 Million under the National Broadband Plan, is transforming the prospects of Co. Waterford by giving homes, farms, and businesses access to the digital infrastructure they need for the future.  It is another important step in delivering on our commitment that every community can participate fully in our digital society and economy.”

Over 15,500 premises in Co. Waterford have now been passed by the NBI network and can order a high-speed fibre broadband connection. The rollout represents €59 million of Government investment in the county, with 6,014 premises already connected to the network.

Minister of State for Planning & Local Government, John Cummins TD said: “I warmly welcome the rollout of the National Broadband Plan across Waterford, marking the largest investment in rural infrastructure since rural electrification. This is a genuine game changer for rural communities, giving people the opportunity to work remotely, grow local enterprise and access essential online public services, regardless of where they live.

“Most importantly, this investment will deliver lasting benefits for families, farms, businesses and students across Waterford. Reliable high-speed broadband will ensure that location is no longer a barrier to opportunity, education or economic growth. The National Broadband Plan is about connecting communities, supporting rural Ireland and ensuring every part of our county can share in a more prosperous and digitally connected future.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Liam Brazil, said: “The rollout of the National Broadband Plan across Waterford will have a lasting positive impact on our communities. For our rural towns, villages and communities, this investment in high-speed broadband helps bridge the digital divide, creating new opportunities for enterprise, supporting local businesses, facilitating remote and hybrid working, and ensuring that residents can access education, healthcare and public services online with confidence.”

Seán McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, said: “The completion of the main National Broadband Plan rollout across County Waterford is a significant achievement that reflects the strong partnership between Government, National Broadband Ireland, Waterford City and County Council and local communities.

“Delivering infrastructure of this scale requires collaboration at every stage, and we are proud of the role Waterford City and County Council has played in supporting the rollout throughout the county. This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared commitment to improving the lives of citizens.

“The benefits of this investment will be felt across Waterford for generations to come. High-speed broadband is now as essential as any other utility, enabling people to access education, healthcare, public services and employment opportunities regardless of where they live. It will support business growth, strengthen our rural communities and help ensure Waterford remains an attractive place to live, work, invest and raise a family.”

With construction now at an advanced stage nationwide, NBI has confirmed that the main build of the fibre network remains on track for completion by the end of this year. The network will enable high-speed broadband access for 566,000 homes, farms and businesses across rural Ireland, an increase of 29,000 premises from the original 537,000 identified at the time of contract signing.

Nationally, more than 498,000 homes, farms and businesses have now been passed by the NBI network and can order a fibre broadband connection, with over 182,000 connected so far as demand continues to accelerate. In many areas where the network has been live for longer, take-up already surpasses 60%, reflecting strong national appetite for world-class fibre connectivity.

Residents and businesses in NBI’s rollout area can check their Eircode on the NBI website to confirm availability and view the list of broadband providers offering services over the network. NBI is a wholesale network operator, meaning homes and businesses order services through broadband providers rather than directly from NBI.