At the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, National Broadband Ireland (NBI) announced that the fibre network rollout in the county has passed the half-way point.
Over 7,000 premises are now ready to connect out of the total of 13,000 to be served by the NBP, which includes homes, farms, commercial businesses and schools.
This will enable e-learning, remote monitoring of livestock or equipment, e-health initiatives, better energy efficiency in the home, and facilitate remote working.
Under the National Broadband Plan, Laois will see an investment of €49M in the new high speed fibre network.
85% of Laois premises are ready to order or in construction.
Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland said the company was satisfied with the progress being made.
He said: “Momentum has been steadily building in the progression of the National Broadband Plan rollout, with homes across the country being connected to high-speed broadband.
“Next to come will be over 2,500 homes, farms and businesses in the Mountrath deployment area, with broadband on NBI’s high-speed network expected to be available before the end of the year.
“This includes the rural areas and townlands surrounding Mountrath, Abbeyleix and Borris-in-Ossory.”
NBI is encouraging people to check their eligibility and register for updates at www.nbi.ie to receive regular notifications related to their own premises as works progresses in their area.
SEE ALSO – Gorman hugely enthused as IFA presidential campaign hits top gear
SEE ALSO – Laois owned and trained horse scoops big prize at Listowel Races
