CONSTRUCTION IS underway on a new venture to deliver Ireland’s first 100% fibre-optic broadband network and Wexford is one of 50 locations which will benefit, yesterday’s (Monday) Wexford Borough District meeting was told.
The announcement was made later by Minister of State Paul Kehoe TD.
SIRO, the ESB-Vodafone joint venture, is a 100% fibre-optic internet connection, making it different and better than any other broadband infrastructure in Ireland, with no copper connection at any point in the network. This will mean that consumers, businesses, community groups and service providers such as hospitals and schools will be able to avail of a 1GB (1000 Mbps) internet connection.
The network is expected to be up-and-running this summer.
Research published earlier in the year revealed that Co. Wexford has one of the worst average broadband speeds in the country at just 8.3MB per second. The hope is that SIRO will transform the internet experience of SMEs, remote workers and consumers in Wexford town with its connectivity.
Wexford town is the first of three towns in the county that will be included in the first phase of SIRO’s rollout. Enniscorthy and Gorey will also be connected. A second phase, including 320 smaller towns and villages across Ireland, is also being considered.
Officially launching the event, Minister of State Paul Kehoe TD said: “SIRO’s announcement today is a major milestone for Wexford as it will put the town on a par with cities like Hong Kong and Tokyo in terms of internet connectivity. Enniscorthy and Gorey’s inclusion in the first phase of the rollout is also a massive boost as it will help to attract jobs and investment to Co. Wexford in the future. This, coupled with the National Broadband Plan which will address rural areas in the county, will be a real differentiator for the county.”
Sean Atkinson, CEO of SIRO, told attendees at the launch: “We are delighted to begin our rollout in Wexford, with plans to connect Enniscorthy and Gorey in the future. This is the moment life in Wexford changes forever. What we are launching today is broadband at its best, as SIRO is a custom built 100% fibre optic network powered by light, with no copper connection that would slow the service. This will have as big an impact as rural electrification, leaving a last legacy in Wexford.”
All residents and businesspeople in Wexford town who are interested in receiving updates on the rollout of SIRO should register for further details at www.siro.ie.
[Full story in this week’s Echo]