Fibre broadband arriving to 7,500 Offaly homes earlier than expected

National Broadband Ireland (NBI) has announced that fibre broadband will arrive in almost 7,500 Offaly homes, farms and businesses in Banagher, Birr and Tullamore earlier than expected in 2025.

The number includes over 5,000 premises in Offaly that have been brought from 2026 into NBI’s schedule of works for this year.

The 7,500 homes and businesses included in this move will be able to avail of a connection to NBI’s network up to four months sooner than previously anticipated.

As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Offaly will receive €48M of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan with nearly 13,000 homes, farms and businesses across the county included in NBI’s rollout.

Areas where the network has been live for over 18 months are reporting take-up rates exceeding 50%, far above international benchmarks.

Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: “We're delighted to announce that almost 7,500 Offaly premises in rural areas around Banagher, Birr and Tullamore are moving to an earlier anticipated completion date, with approximately 5,000 of these homes and businesses moving forward from 2026, with the remaining being delivered sooner than previously expected in 2025.

"The huge progress that was made on the rollout in 2024 means we can deliver high-speed broadband to more homes and businesses earlier this year and leaves us in a strong position to complete our rollout on time and on budget. With just two years remaining, we’re working tirelessly to ensure we meet our commitments and provide communities with the connectivity they deserve."

To see the retail broadband providers that are currently licensed to sell on the NBI network, visit NBI.ie/buy.