Ireland’s National Broadband Plan is entering a decisive phase, with major network-build milestones being completed across Roscommon, Wexford, Louth and Cavan during October 2026. The latest progress means approximately 70,000 homes, farms and businesses across the four counties can connect to high-speed fibre broadband.
The announcement, issued by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport on 1 October 2026, marks another important step towards nationwide broadband coverage. The wider €2.7 billion Government programme remains scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
National Broadband Plan reaches four-county milestone
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD welcomed the completion of the main network build in the four counties. Government investment of more than €260 million supported the rollout across Roscommon, Wexford, Louth and Cavan.
The programme is designed to extend reliable, high-speed fibre access to areas not adequately served by commercial broadband providers. Better connectivity is expected to support rural households, farms, local enterprises, remote workers and public services.
County-by-county investment and coverage
- Roscommon: 20,000 premises and €76 million in Government investment.
- Wexford: 24,000 premises and €88 million in Government investment.
- Louth: 9,000 premises and €33 million in Government investment.
- Cavan: 17,000 premises and €65 million in Government investment.
October events marking broadband rollout progress
County closeout events are being held to recognise the completion of the main network build and the expansion of fibre broadband access:
- Roscommon — 7 October 2026 at Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa.
- Louth — 9 October 2026 at the Oriel Centre, Dundalk.
- Cavan — 23 October 2026 at Cavan Digital Hub.
- Wexford — closeout event to be announced.
According to the Department, the rollout remains on schedule and within budget. The programme has also recorded stronger-than-expected user take-up, highlighting demand for dependable digital infrastructure in rural Ireland.
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Why fibre broadband matters for rural communities
Access to high-speed broadband can make it easier for people to work, study, use online public services and run businesses from rural locations. It also strengthens the digital capacity of communities that have historically faced limited connectivity.
The National Broadband Plan has been compared by the Minister to the scale of the rural electrification project because of its potential long-term impact on everyday life and regional development. Its final objective is to ensure that communities throughout rural Ireland can access modern broadband infrastructure.
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What happens next?
The main network build in the four counties is now reaching its closeout stage, while the broader National Broadband Plan continues towards its national completion target. Residents and businesses can check service availability with participating broadband providers once their premises is ready for connection.
Key takeaway: The latest county milestones show that the National Broadband Plan is delivering fibre connectivity to tens of thousands of premises and remains on course for nationwide completion by the end of 2026.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
