Broadband rollout continues around border
Minister for Communications, Dermot Ahern, today launched the rollout of 22kms of broadband for Cavan and Monaghan, part of an extension of the national broadband network which also includes Drogheda and Dundalk.
The new border rollout involves bringing broadband to Cavan, Kingscourt, Monaghan and Carrickmacross.
The Minister has also announced that major broadband rings are also to be installed in Drogheda and Dundalk, involving a total investment of almost €4m.
In the three Border counties, 40 kms of fibre at a cost of over €8m is being provided in the six towns.
The funding will bring to over €300m spending on broadband since 1996. This is in addition to the 50,000 fibre kilometres of internet cable which has been or about to be installed in towns from Co. Donegal to Cork under the 19 towns project.
The project, 90% grant aided by the Government under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, is co-funded by the EU under the European Regional Development Fund.
The Metropolitan Area Networks is being rolled out by local authorities.
Minister Ahern said: "This is a landmark day for Cavan and Monaghan. Broadband is the future and it is the towns with reliable, fast connectivity to the outside world that will lead the way in inward investment and job creation.
"Cavan and Monaghan have benefited significantly from the growth in the economy. I believe they will benefit even further with broadband."
