Game changer for Waterford residents as national broadband plan reaches finish line in Waterford

The National Broadband Plan's main infrastructure works have officially reached their end across the county.

This milestone marks a major step forward for rural communities across Waterford, 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.

Over 15,500 premises across the county have now been passed by the NBI Network and can order a high-speed fibre broadband connection, joining the 6,014 Waterford premises already connected to the network.

This €59 million government investment in Waterford makes it the latest county to reach this stage of the National Broadband Plan rollout, following recent county completions in Kilkenny, Longford, Tipperary, Meath and Westmeath as the national programme moves through its final phase of delivery.

On the completion of the rollout, 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.” 

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD also spoke on the completion of the Waterford rollout, saying: "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 Broadcast 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."

Minister of State for Planning & Local Government, John Cummins TD said: "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."

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.