Cavan's Digital Divide Closed as €65 Million Fibre Broadband Network Delivered under the National Broadband Plan

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

The milestone marks a major step forward for 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.

With the completion of the main NBI infrastructure rollout, Cavan becomes the latest county to reach this milestone as the nationwide deployment moves into its final phase ahead of completion later this year.

The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, noted that "Cavan has a strong tradition of enterprise, with businesses in manufacturing, food production and tourism supporting communities across the county. With the main National Broadband Plan rollout complete, homes, farms, businesses and schools across the county now have access to the world-class digital connectivity they need to thrive.

“This €65 million Government investment means 17,000 premises across Cavan can access the high-speed fibre broadband they need to work, learn, do business and stay connected. 

"For rural communities, this is about ensuring that geography is no barrier to opportunity. The completion of the main National Broadband Plan rollout gives communities across the county the connectivity needed to compete, connect and grow on an equal footing with the rest of the country. 

"The inaugural Cavan Eco Feile festival highlights the ambition and potential of rural Ireland, showcasing how connectivity can support innovation, sustainability, community development and economic growth at a local level.”

To mark this milestone, Cavan County Council hosted a reception at the Cavan Digital Hub featuring addresses from Cllr Carmel Brady, An Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Clive Ryan, Director of Digital Connectivity Office, Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Jenny Fisher, Chief Executive Officer of National Broadband Ireland Deployment; and Eoin Doyle, Chief Executive, Cavan County Council.

There are approximately 17,000 premises in Co. Cavan that are included in the State’s Intervention Area, where NBI is delivering minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms and schools. The rollout represents €65 million of Government investment in the county, almost 6,250 premises already connected to the network.

Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr Carmel Brady, said: “I warmly welcome the completion of the main National Broadband Plan rollout across Cavan, marking a major investment in the county’s future. For too long, many homes and businesses faced barriers because of poor connectivity. Today, those barriers are being removed.

“This investment gives communities across the county the tools they need to thrive, whether that's supporting remote working, online learning, digital services or business growth. It is a significant step forward for the people of Cavan and for the county's future prosperity.”

Jenny Fisher, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland Deployment, commented: “Completing the main National Broadband Plan rollout in Cavan is about much more than broadband. It is about empowering communities, supporting sustainable growth and ensuring that people can live and work locally while staying connected to a global economy.

“Through our partnership with Government, Cavan County Council and local stakeholders, more than 17,000 premises across the county can now access world-class fibre connectivity. This network will help reduce barriers created by geography, support remote working and digital innovation, and contribute to a more sustainable way of living.

“With Eco Féile taking place, there is a natural connection between the festival's themes of sustainability and innovation and the opportunities this network creates. Digital connectivity is helping rural communities reduce travel, access services online and build stronger, more resilient local economies.

“As it stands, almost 6,250 homes and businesses have already connected to the NBI network, and we look forward to seeing many more people across Cavan harness the benefits of high-speed fibre broadband in the months ahead.”

Eoin Doyle, Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, said: “The successful completion of the main National Broadband Plan build is a major milestone for County Cavan and testament to the strong partnership between National Broadband Ireland, Government, Cavan County Council and our local communities.

“Broadband is now as important to our future as any other critical infrastructure. It enables people to work closer to home, supports sustainable business growth, fosters innovation and helps communities access services while reducing their environmental impact.

“As we host our inaugural EcoFéile, a festival that celebrates sustainability and innovation, this achievement serves as a reminder that digital connectivity is a key enabler of a smarter, greener and more resilient county. The benefits of this infrastructure investment will be felt across Cavan for many years to come.”

Across the country, more than 537,000 premises have now been passed by the NBI network, marking a significant milestone as this was the total number of premises included in the National Broadband Plan at the time the contract was signed. Throughout the rollout, a further 29,000 premises have been added to the intervention area, meaning the NBI network will provide access to high-speed broadband for approximately 566,000 premises nationwide. To date, more than 195,000 premises have already connected to the network.

In many areas where the network has been live for longer, take-up rates have already exceeded 60%, demonstrating strong demand for reliable, future-proof fibre connectivity. Communities across Ireland are now benefiting from broadband capable of supporting remote and hybrid working, online learning, digital health services, agri-tech innovation, tourism, and local enterprise development.

NBI is a wholesale network operator, meaning homes and businesses order broadband services through retail broadband providers rather than directly from NBI. Residents and businesses in NBI's rollout area can check their Eircode on the NBI website to confirm availability, view the range of broadband providers offering services on the network, and place an order with their preferred provider.