Telecom company eir has announced plans to invest a further €500 million in the rollout of its fibre network across Ireland.
The company said that continued investments, in tandem with the Government’s National Broadband Plan, aim to ensure that by the end of 2028, every home and business in Ireland – covering over 2.4 million premises – will have access to high-speed gigabit broadband.
Eir has published an Economic and Social Impact Report showing that the company has invested almost €1.7 billion in telecommunications infrastructure in the last six years.
According to the study, eir employs 3,170 people directly across Ireland, creating approximately 4,755 indirect and induced jobs nationwide.
The report also shows that eir’s broadband infrastructure underpins €172 billion worth of economic activity across Ireland.
“A digitally inclusive economy and society are crucial for Ireland’s future,” said Oliver Loomes, CEO of eir.
“With an additional €500 million committed investment in our communications infrastructure, eir is committed to strengthening this foundation,” Mr Loomes said.
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The eir CEO said today’s report not only highlights the company’s direct contributions to the Irish economy through employment and investment but also its broader impact in enabling the digital economy.
“Our extensive network infrastructure is essential to Ireland’s digital transformation, supporting both EU and national strategies that prioritise digitalisation for societal, economic, and environmental advancement. eir’s infrastructure underpins €172 billion in economic activity across Ireland,” he added.
The report was compiled by Associate Professor Emeritus of Economics, Anthony Foley, of Dublin City University Business School.
“What we have found in conducting this research is that a cutting-edge digital network infrastructure is the foundation of a flourishing digital economy and society,” Professor Foley said.
“The globalisation and FDI aspects of the Irish economy mean that broadband infrastructure and services, and international digital connectivity are significant competitiveness issues,” he added.