Launch of broadband network in Galway
The launch has taken place of the rollout of a new 9 million broadband network in Galway which will deliver high speed Internet access to key locations in the city and parts of the county.
Work on rolling out the 45kms network is expected to be finished by the end of the year. The Galway project is part of the 65 million 19 towns national broadband initiative, which is 90% funded by the Government.
Nationally, towns from Co Donegal to Cork, will be connected to the backbone broadband running through the country. Once the rollout is completed next year it will provide cheap always-on access to the Internet a vital tool for industry and business and invaluable for educational institutes, health and research bodies.
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. Known as the Metropolitan Area Networks, it is being rolled out by local authorities in the 19 towns.
In Galway, both the City Council and Co Council are involved in a network that will stretch across the city and to Oranmore. A unique feature of the Galway rollout is the plans being put in place to co-ordinate the installation of the fibre alongside the new natural gas main. Talks are at an advanced stage between Bord Gais and the city authorities concerning the co-hosting of both the gas main and the fibre network in a single duct.
