Large parts of Portarlington, which were promised fiber power broadband 12 months ago, are finally set to get it.
Virgin Media have told Laois County Council that they expect to begin installation of infrastructure for its fiber broadband rollout programme in May.
The revelation was made at yesterday’s Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District Meeting.
Cllr Aidan Mullins inquired about when the programme of footpath repair and replacement would begin in Portarlington.
In response, Engineer John Ormond said: “Virgin Media has informed Laois County Council that it intends commencing the installation for its fibre broadband rollout programme in Portarlington in May.
“On completion of the initial stages of Virgin Media works, it is the intention of Laois County Council to commence its programme of footpath repairs in Portarlington.
“The extent of the works to be completed in 2018 will be determined by the available funding.”
Cllr Mullins welcomed the news.
He said: “Look this is certainly good news. I know this time last year they had the same response but then I think the contractor pulled out on them.
“I believe they will start at Railway Station and go from there.
“So if it is the intention of Laois County Council to go behind them and work away then that makes sense.”
Cllr Tom Mulhall says there can’t be ‘any progress without inconvenience’.
He said: “You know the old saying, you can’t make an omelette without breaking an egg.
“So look there will be some disruption and the footpaths will be dug up by doing this but the end result will be worth it as high-speed broadband is badly needed.”
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