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Wexford Businesses Still Using Outdated Broadband Risk Being Held Back, New Research Finds

Wexford businesses who are still reliance on outdated and slower copper broadband are at risk of reduced productivity, increased employee frustration and dissatisfied customers, according to newly published research. The independent research, commissioned by 100% fibre broadband operator, SIRO, examined the impact of poor broadband connectivity on business productivity, employee engagement and customer experience.    Nationally, 34% of workers say they have experienced slow broadband at work, while one-in-four (25%), report poor broadband is directly affecting their ability to do their job effectively.  A significant majority, almost 60%, of respondents felt that their home broadband was better than their broadband at their workplace.   Customers are equally dissatisfied with 60% of respondents in Leinster reporting they have experienced poor and slow broadband at businesses with 24% saying they either would not or would be unsure of returning to a business with bad connectivity.    SIRO has responded to the connectivity challenges faced by Irish SMEs, by launching a new full fibre product tailored specifically for this business sector. The product, known as LightPulse, provides 1 Gigabit download speeds and a boosted 250 Megabit upload speed over SIRO’s full fibre-to-the-premises network. It also comes with a service level agreement to ensure continuity of service.  SIRO’s campaign launch features Wexford business and LightPulse user, Dental Care Ireland.  After experiencing issues with slow and unreliable connectivity, which disrupted daily operations, Dental Care switched to SIRO’s new LightPulse fibre broadband product, supported by broadband retailer Digiweb.   The practice reports the difference has been immediate and significant from the start, with a straightforward and hassle-free set up, service tailored to their needs, and reliable connectivity that has enabled them to run the clinic efficiently.    SIRO’s LightPulse product offers a bespoke broadband solution specifically for smaller companies, providing them with the high speeds and ongoing connectivity support essential for their daily business operations.   SIRO’s is rolling out its full fibre broadband network is available in Wexford and towns across the Northwest. SIRO is a wholesaler and partners with broadband retail partners including Fastcom, Vodafone, Digiweb, Viatel, Blacknight, and Ivertec to deliver connectivity solutions for SMEs. Full details are available on SIRO's website.  Rachel Dempsey, Practice Manager in Dental Care Ireland Wexford said:  
"Our experience with LightPulse broadband, powered by SIRO has been excellent. From the start, getting set up was straightforward and hassle-free, and we were offered a service tailored to fit our needs. We would have no hesitation in recommending LightPulse to other small businesses looking for a broadband service they can truly depend on.” 
Commenting on the findings, SIRO’s Head of Enterprise, Aoife O’Reilly noted: 
“This independent research confirms the fact that Irish business, particularly smaller businesses, are still relying on outdated copper connections which can no longer support their business needs.  “What is worrying for the longer-term growth and viability of these businesses, particularly in an era of connectivity-hungry AI, is that their poor connectivity is now affecting their workers and customers – both of which are fundamental to the success of any business.  “It’s understandable with businesses challenged by a multitude of issues that connectivity can get left on the long finger, but today’s research clearly shows that poor broadband is now having a direct impact on the performance and growth of many Irish businesses.  “Copper switch off is drawing ever closer, so rather than find themselves at a cliff edge, Irish businesses should check that they can avail of full fibre connectivity and proactively make the switch. Our research clearly shows that their employees, customers and bottom line will thank them for making the move,” added Ms. O’Reilly. 
Cork businesses who are still reliance on outdated and slower copper broadband are at risk of reduced productivity, increased employee frustration and dissatisfied customers, according to newly published research.   The independent research, commissioned by 100% fibre broadband operator, SIRO, examined the impact of poor broadband connectivity on business productivity, employee engagement and customer experience.    Nationally, 34% of workers say they have experienced slow broadband at work, while one-in-four (25%), report poor broadband is directly affecting their ability to do their job effectively.   A significant majority, almost 60%, of respondents felt that their home broadband was better than their broadband at their workplace.  Customers are equally dissatisfied with over half of respondents (56%) in Munster reporting they have experienced poor and slow broadband at businesses with 22% saying they either would not or would be unsure of returning to a business with bad connectivity.   SIRO has responded to the connectivity challenges faced by Irish SMEs, by launching a new full fibre product tailored specifically for this business sector. The product, known as LightPulse, provides 1 Gigabit download speeds and a boosted 250 Megabit upload speed over SIRO’s full fibre-to-the-premises network. It also comes with a service level agreement to ensure continuity of service.  SIRO’s campaign launch features St. Anne’s Church Shandon Bells & Tower, one of Cork’s most iconic attractions and the oldest church in the city still in continuous use. After experiencing slow and unreliable broadband which often disrupted booking and payment systems. St. Anne’s upgraded to SIRO’s LightPulse product, supported by broadband retailer Digiweb.  The change for St. Anne’s has been transformative. Payment and booking systems now run seamlessly, the network supports more devices without issue, and the team no longer worries about connectivity getting in the way of serving visitors.  SIRO’s LightPulse product offers a bespoke broadband solution specifically for smaller companies, providing them with the high speeds and ongoing connectivity support essential for their daily business operations.   SIRO is rolling out its full fibre broadband network across Cork City and county, working with retail partners including Digiweb, Vodafone, Viatel, Blacknight, Ivertec, and Fastcom to deliver connectivity solutions for SMEs.  Marisa O’Mahony, Tower Manager at St. Anne's Church Shandon Tower & Bells commented:  
“Reliable broadband is vital for running our booking and payment systems smoothly, so making the switch to LightPulse, powered by SIRO, has been a big success for us.”  "Since upgrading, our payment and booking systems run seamlessly, and we no longer worry about connectivity holding us back. For any business struggling with unreliable broadband or needing to support more devices, we would highly recommend LightPulse". 
Commenting on the findings, SIRO’s Head of Enterprise, Aoife O’Reilly noted: 
“This independent research confirms the fact that Irish business, particularly smaller businesses, are still relying on outdated copper connections which can no longer support their business needs.  “What is worrying for the longer-term growth and viability of these businesses, particularly in an era of connectivity-hungry AI, is that their poor connectivity is now affecting their workers and customers – both of which are fundamental to the success of any business.  “It’s understandable with businesses challenged by a multitude of issues that connectivity can get left on the long finger, but today’s research clearly shows that poor broadband is now having a direct impact on the performance and growth of many Irish businesses.  “Copper switch off is drawing ever closer, so rather than find themselves at a cliff edge, Irish businesses should check that they can avail of full fibre connectivity and proactively make the switch. Our research clearly shows that their employees, customers and bottom line will thank them for making the move,” added Ms. O’Reilly. 
Sligo businesses who are still reliance on outdated and slower copper broadband are at risk of reduced productivity, increased employee frustration and dissatisfied customers, according to newly published research. The independent research, commissioned by 100% fibre broadband operator, SIRO, examined the impact of poor broadband connectivity on business productivity, employee engagement and customer experience.    Nationally, 34% of workers say they have experienced slow broadband at work, while one-in-four (25%), report poor broadband is directly affecting their ability to do their job effectively.  In the Connacht–Ulster region, the issue is even more pronounced, with 40% of workers reporting poor connectivity in their workplace and almost a third (32%) saying it harms their productivity.  A significant majority, almost 60%, of respondents felt that their home broadband was better than their broadband at their workplace.   Customers are equally dissatisfied when engaging with businesses with poor and slow broadband, with more than half of Connacht-Ulster respondents (52%) saying they either would not or would be unsure of returning to a business with bad connectivity.   SIRO has responded to the connectivity challenges faced by Irish SMEs, by launching a new full fibre product tailored specifically for this business sector. The product, known as LightPulse, provides 1 Gigabit download speeds and a boosted 250 Megabit upload speed over SIRO’s full fibre-to-the-premises network. It also comes with a service level agreement to ensure continuity of service.  SIRO’s campaign launch features Sligo business and LightPulse user, Kate’s Kitchen. Run by sisters Kate, Beth, and Jane O’Hara, and located on Sligo’s Castle Street, the gourmet grocer and café combine in-store service with nationwide delivery and a strong online presence.   As the business expanded, its copper-based broadband connection could no longer keep up — payment terminals lagged during busy hours, uploading product images became time-consuming, and their VOIP phone service was unreliable. Earlier this year, Kate’s Kitchen became one of the first businesses in Sligo, supported by broadband retailer Fastcom, to upgrade to fibre broadband with SIRO’s new LightPulse product.     For Kate’s Kitchen, the results have been transformative. Card transactions are now instant, cloud-based stock systems sync seamlessly, and content uploads to social and e-commerce platforms are completed in seconds. With reliable in-store Wi-Fi now available for staff and suppliers, the business can provide a smoother service both at the counter and behind the scenes, ensuring customers always get the seamless experience they expect.  SIRO’s is rolling out its full fibre broadband network is available in  Sligo and towns across the Northwest. SIRO is a wholesaler and partners with broadband retail partners including Fastcom, Vodafone, Digiweb, Viatel, Blacknight, and Ivertec to deliver connectivity solutions for SMEs. Full details are available on SIRO's website.  Commenting on their experience with SIRO’s LightPulse, Kate O’Hara, Store Manager at Kate’s Kitchen said:  
“We are a family-run store with a love of great food and great service and behind the scenes, tech is a huge part of making that happen. With SIRO’s LightPulse connection, everything runs faster. Uploading product photos is instant, our phone service is crystal clear, and customers get quicker service at the tills. It’s really taken the pressure off day-to-day.”
Lorraine Gribbons, Managing Director, Fastcom said:
“Kate’s Kitchen is the heartbeat of independent retail in Sligo, warm, driven, and deeply connected to their community. We are delighted to support their growth with our new SIRO LightPulse 1Gb service. It’s a broadband solution that truly matches the pace and passion of their business.”- 
Commenting on the findings, SIRO’s Head of Enterprise, Aoife O’Reilly noted: 
“This independent research confirms the fact that Irish business, particularly smaller businesses, are still relying on outdated copper connections which can no longer support their business needs.  “What is worrying for the longer-term growth and viability of these businesses, particularly in an era of connectivity-hungry AI, is that their poor connectivity is now affecting their workers and customers – both of which are fundamental to the success of any business.  “It’s understandable with businesses challenged by a multitude of issues that connectivity can get left on the long finger, but today’s research clearly shows that poor broadband is now having a direct impact on the performance and growth of many Irish businesses.  “Copper switch off is drawing ever closer, so rather than find themselves at a cliff edge, Irish businesses should check that they can avail of full fibre connectivity and proactively make the switch. Our research clearly shows that their employees, customers and bottom line will thank them for making the move,” added Ms. O’Reilly. 
Poor broadband connectivity in Irish businesses is impacting both their productivity and customer satisfaction, according to new research commissioned by broadband network operator SIRO. In the past complaints about rural connectivity for Irish homes would have been common, but now the majority of Irish professionals (60%) claim their home broadband is better than their office connection. The survey by Amárach Research revealed that a quarter (26%) of Irish workers said that poor broadband connectivity in the office is impacting their ability to do their job effectively, with professionals in Dublin (32%), Connacht (32%) and Ulster (32%) reporting the highest levels of dissatisfaction. Having substandard broadband connections are also hurting Irish businesses’ efforts to attract and keep customers, with high levels of dissatisfaction also reported by shoppers. Approximately 6 in 10 (57%) members of the Irish public stated that they had bad experiences with Irish businesses connectivity when buying goods or services from them. Over 1 in 5 (22%) of those went further to say that they would be less likely to buy from those businesses again in the future because of their experience. The research findings support the view that the slow take-up of fibre to the premises broadband by Irish businesses is now directly impacting both their productivity, attractiveness as a place to work and crucially, customers’ experience of those businesses. The research comes as data by the telecommunications regulator, Comreg, indicates that only 12% of Irish businesses have an active fibre-to-the-premise connection (“full fibre”) with tens of thousands of these businesses continuing to rely on outdated and slow copper connections. This is despite Comreg data indicating that 79% of premises now have access to full fibre broadband. Copper switch off, the process by which the outdated copper broadband network will be permanently turned off and decommissioned, is expected to commence over the coming years making it more urgent that businesses, particularly SMEs, still reliant on this outdated technology are now encouraged to move to faster and more reliable full fibre broadband. In response, SIRO’s has launched a new bespoke product into the Irish market, LightPulse, a Gigabit fibre broadband product, tailored to meet the needs of Irish SMEs and designed to support these businesses in making the transition to full fibre. Commenting on the findings, SIRO’s Head of Enterprise, Aoife O’Reilly said:
“This research highlights the fact that Irish business, particularly smaller businesses, are still relying on outdated copper connections which can no longer support their business needs. “What is worrying for the longer-term growth and viability of these businesses, particularly in an era of connectivity-hungry AI, is that their poor broadband connections are now affecting their workers and customers – both of which are fundamental to the success of any company. “Copper switch off is drawing ever closer, so rather than find themselves at a cliff edge, Irish businesses should check that they can avail of full fibre connectivity and proactively make the switch. Our research clearly shows that their employees, customers and bottom line will thank them for making the move,” added Ms. O’Reilly.
To learn more about broadband for your business, search your Eircode today. [lookup_modal type="eircode" button-text="Search Your Eircode" position="mid" title="Input your Eircode to check whether SIRO is available at your location"]
Moving into or just moved into a new home? Looking to get reliable, high-speed broadband into your home? At SIRO, we understand the demand for broadband from new homeowners today. Having access to a reliable, fast connection enables you to live and work from home with ease. SIRO research highlighted this, finding that broadband was voted as the most important factor for under-35s when considering buying a home, higher than demand for a garden (40%) or a parking spot (15%). To make it even easier, SIRO has launched a new feature on our website designed specifically for people moving into new homes, whether as a buyer or renter. Whether you’re already living in your home, waiting on your keys, or planning your move, you can now check if your home is SIRO-ready and even pre-order your connection. This means that your broadband connection can be ready from the day you move in.

Who is SIRO?

  • SIRO is a joint venture between ESB and Vodafone delivering full fibre broadband to towns and cities across Ireland.
  • Our full fibre network can provide speeds of up to 2 Gigabits per second for residential customers and carries TV & voice services with selected retailers.

Want SIRO broadband for your new home? Start with your Eircode.

Every premise in Ireland, home or business, requires an Eircode to ensure that it has an identifiable location. You can find out more information on this process here. Now, using our new New Homes webpage, you can:
  • Already moved in? Search your Eircode and order SIRO today from one of our retailers.
  • Bought but waiting for keys? Search by Eircode, address or county and register for a reminder to pre-order before you move in.
  • Planning ahead? Browse a list of new developments already passed or soon to be passed by SIRO.

How do I place an order for SIRO?

  • Search your Eircode at www.siro.ie/new-developments to see if SIRO is available to your home.
  • If SIRO is available, a list of retailers and their varying price points will appear. Our website will take you directly to your selected retailer.

My Eircode is not showing up on the SIRO website when I search it?

  • There may be a number of reasons for this, such as SIRO is currently building its network in your area, SIRO is not yet available in your area, or your new Eircode has yet to be updated on our systems.
  • You can contact SIRO via our email address info@siro.ie for any further queries.

Is it possible to place an order without an Eircode?

While we always advise acquiring the Eircode for your new home, it may be possible, in a limited number of circumstances, for SIRO to connect your home without one. Please contact SIRO directly at info@siro.ie for further information.

Will all homes in my estate have access to SIRO’s fibre broadband at the same time?

SIRO rolls out its fibre broadband network to new developments and the homes within them in parallel with these homes becoming available to their new residents. In practice, this means that as new homes are released by your developer, we endeavour to have these premises SIRO fibre broadband enabled. In general, we always recommend visiting siro.ie/register-your-interest to register your Eircode and receive automatic updates when SIRO is available in your home, including updates on SIRO’s rollout to towns and cities across Ireland.

Take Broadband Off Your Moving Checklist

With our new webpage, getting connected to SIRO fibre has never been simpler. To find out if SIRO’s high-speed broadband is available to your new home, search your Eircode today at www.siro.ie/new-developments. For any further queries regarding your new home, please contact info@siro.ie. [lookup_modal type="eircode" button-text="Search Your Eircode" position="mid" title="Input your Eircode to check whether SIRO is available at your location"]
Broadband operator, SIRO, has today launched a new service aimed at ensuring that buyers can access a fibre broadband service at their new home from the day they move in. Traditionally, buyers of new homes may experience a wait time of several days or even weeks before their broadband service is installed and up and running. This can be extremely frustrating for those moving into a new home who find themselves dependent on reliable connectivity to undertake a wide range of essential activities for themselves and wider family. Increasingly, new home buyers or their tenants are seeking a functioning broadband service live at their new home from the first day they move in. Activities such as working from home; using connected home devices such as house alarms, doorbell or remote access services like a smart thermostat; and connectivity for mobile, TV or gaming have all expanded this need. SIRO’s new bespoke service allows buyers to pre-order their broadband service so that it is ready to go before their boxes are even unpacked. New home buyers or their tenants can log onto a dedicated webpage on SIRO’s website, find their new development and their individual home and then pre-order a 100% fibre broadband service in advance of moving in. [caption id="attachment_11232" align="aligncenter" width="1097"] Thursday 14th August 2025; Pictured are Ronan Whelan, SIRO Chief Commercial Officer and Marianne Murphy, Head of Marketing as SIRO is announcing the launch of a new online service allowing buyers to have access to a fibre broadband service at their new home from the day they move in.[/caption] SIRO’s new service for home buyers offers a range of options depending on each individual’s circumstances. For those who have already moved in they can go ahead and order broadband services today; those who have bought, have an Eircode or just the address and a move-in date they can pre-order to ensure their broadband is ready when they are; or for those who have just bought, have an address but no move-in date yet can register and receive a reminder from SIRO when the broadband pre-order service is available to them. For estate agents and developers, they also now have a dedicated information source that they can direct their home buyers to if the latter have queries on services available to them. Research previously commissioned by SIRO revealed the extent to which broadband is now viewed as an indispensable part of modern living, surpassing other features once regarded as core to a new home. It found that access to broadband was a key consideration for home buyers, ranking higher than even a parking spot or garden for respondents. A first in the Irish broadband market, SIRO’s website now hosts a comprehensive list of new developments across Ireland in which SIRO is rolling out its network. SIRO’s new developments webpage currently lists over 300 new developments in every corner of Ireland, with more new developments added on a weekly basis. SIRO is a wholesale fibre broadband operator. It partners with more than twenty broadband retailers such as Digiweb, Pure Telcom, Sky, Virgin Media and Vodafone amongst others from which home buyers can order a broadband service from. It has grown to become the second largest full fibre broadband network in Ireland and continues to grow. Commenting on its new dedicated service, SIRO Chief Commercial Officer Ronan Whelan said:

“There is so much to consider and deal with when buying and or moving into a new home. It’s a stressful time! Getting utilities in place, particularly broadband, are an essential part of making a house a home. SIRO’s new service aims to ensure that the process of getting a broadband connection live is seamless.

“Being attuned to customer needs is a key reason for SIRO’s success over the last decade. Over that time and even more so since working from home became mainstream, has been the need for home buyers to have a broadband service available as quickly as possible. We’ve listened to both consumers and developers on this issue and our new service is a response to this overwhelming demand,” added Mr. Whelan.

Giving the perspective of home buyers, Managing Director of DNG Duffy, Dundalk, Keith Duffy noted that:

“Some homebuyers – particularly first-time buyers and those working from home – like to confirm broadband availability early in the sales process so they can plan ahead.

“SIRO’s new webpage is a real advantage, allowing buyers to check service availability in their area and even pre-order broadband, helping them get ahead before moving in.

“While some expect broadband to be ready on day one, it can be something they overlook, so the pre-order option is especially useful. Feedback from those who have used it has been very positive, with customers noting quick turnaround times and being highly satisfied with the service."

SIRO’s New Pre-Order Service for Home Buyers can be found at: https://siro.ie/new-developments/

Pre-Order SIRO Now

SIRO, the 100% fibre broadband network operator, has announced that its network is now live in Claremorris. To date, 868 homes and businesses in the town have been passed by the SIRO network, with a further 630 premises expected to go live in 2025 – a total of 1,500 premises overall. Areas in Claremorris that will have access to the SIRO network include, but are not limited to Cluain Aoibhinn, Claremount Manor, Elmwood, Grattan Crescent, Elm Park, Ard Rua, Cnoc Bothar, Lisnaboley Lane, Beechpark, Grattan Park, Clareville and Springdale. The rollout in Claremorris is part of SIRO’s wider investment in Mayo, where close to 8,800 premises are already passed by the SIRO network. With the completion of the Claremorris build, the number of premises passed in the county will rise to over 9,000. SIRO’s network is available in towns including Ballina, Westport, and Castlebar. [caption id="attachment_11192" align="aligncenter" width="807"] Main Street, Claremorris, County Mayo, Ireland.[/caption] SIRO’s national network has reached more than 660,000 premises across 143 towns and cities, as part of its €1 billion investment. The company is on track to pass over 700,000 premises by 2026, helping to future-proof connectivity in communities right across Ireland. SIRO’s full fibre broadband network will provide residents and businesses in Claremorris with fast and future proofed connectivity, enabling everything from seamless remote working or video streaming to supporting local enterprises in their digital growth. SIRO’s full fibre network currently provides speeds of up to 2 Gigabits per second for homes and 10 Gigabits per second for businesses. The expansion comes at a crucial time, as Ireland moves closer to switching off the existing outdated copper telecoms network. SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband provides a future-proof solution, ensuring reliable connectivity for households and businesses as traditional copper-based services are phased out. Speaking on the announcement, John Keaney, SIRO Chief Executive Officer, said:
“We are delighted to bring SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband to Claremorris, connecting hundreds of homes and businesses to reliable gigabit connectivity. High-quality broadband is now essential for modern living, supporting remote working, online learning, streaming, and powering local businesses. With our network expansion in Mayo continuing, we are committed to ensuring Claremorris can now access world-class connectivity.”
 
St Patrick’s Primary School, located in the heart of Galway City, has been named Golden Bee Champion 2025 in this year’s Pollinator Project competition, recognising the school’s outstanding work in supporting pollinators and biodiversity.  The competition forms part of the nationwide Pollinator Project, delivered in partnership with Biodiversity in Schools and fibre broadband operator, SIRO. The initiative celebrates schools that go above and beyond in creating pollinator-friendly spaces and embedding biodiversity into school life.  The school stood out to the judging panel with their project, ‘Bee-yond the Bricks,’ which tackled the challenge of supporting pollinators in an urban environment. Their entry showcased a powerful blend of research, creativity and student leadership, transforming their school grounds through pollinator planting, creating over 30 bee nesting sites, installing hydration stations, and involving almost every student in the school in the initiative.    St. Patrick’s Primary School is a mixed primary school located in Galway City Centre on Lombard Street, catering to 231 pupils from Junior Infants to 6th Class, under the leadership of Principal Marian Barrett. The school has a strong focus on fostering a nurturing environment with an emphasis on student well-being and holistic development. The ‘Bee-yond the Bricks’ project was guided by Special Educational Needs Teacher Jarlath Conboy, who has played a key role in supporting and accompanying the students throughout their biodiversity journey.  The Pollinator Project in 2025 had a record impact. A total of 277 schools took part, with 8,864 students trained as Pollinator Ambassadors through classroom kits. Over 280 schools took the Pollinator Pledge, committing to create or maintain pollinator-friendly habitats. In total, schools pledged 18.5 acres of no-mow meadow, the equivalent of 5 Croke Park pitches, and the project engaged more than 84,000 young people nationwide.  Announcing the winner, SIRO’s Director of People and Culture, Blanaid O’Regan, said: 
“This year’s Pollinator Project has been truly inspiring in both scale and impact. Seeing schools like St. Patrick’s Primary School in Galway take such creative, science-based action to support pollinators shows just how powerful environmental education can be. We are proud to support an initiative that not only boosts biodiversity but also empowers the next generation to take real climate action.”
 Director of Biodiversity in Schools, Mark Nolan, added:
"This year’s standard was exceptional, but St. Patrick’s stood out for their deep engagement and the innovation behind their work. From bee homes to scientific monitoring, they turned learning into action in such a meaningful way. Their students are a credit to their school and their community and a really positive example of what’s possible when schools prioritise nature."
  To check if your home is on the SIRO network, search your Eircode today. [lookup_modal type="eircode" button-text="Search Your Eircode" position="mid" title="Input your Eircode to check whether SIRO is available at your location"]
Despite new data which has been published today by Comreg, which indicates that more than 75% of Irish premises can now access fibre to the premises (FTTP) broadband, Ireland still lacks a national copper switch off plan. The 75% availability figure is a key threshold figure under which it is permissible that the first stage of the copper switch off process can now commence. This process would ensure that outdated copper broadband which is increasingly unfit for purpose and struggles to meet modern data demands can be switched off in favour of faster and more resilient fibre broadband. However, Ireland’s lack of progress stands in stark contrast to strides made by other European countries like Spain, who announced last month that it had completed its copper switch off process. While other countries such as France, Portugal and Sweden are expected to match Spain’s achievement in the near future, Ireland still lacks any national strategy to achieve the EU goal of decommissioning legacy copper networks by 2030. In the UK, which has set a target of January 2027 for its copper switch off, dubbed “The Great British Switch Off”, proactive industry and Government collaboration, planning and implementation is actively taking place to ensure that the process is effective, transparent and widely understood by consumers and businesses. Wholesale fibre optic broadband operator SIRO hosted an industry event this week, bringing Irish and international experts together to discuss and debate how Ireland can best approach copper switch off in the years ahead. International telecoms expert, Benoit Felten, Partner at Plum Consulting, noted:
“All European countries including Ireland need to recognise that the benefits of copper switch off far outweigh any perceived risks. These positive benefits include an acceleration of the digitisation of businesses and public services; a faster return on public and private investment in full fibre networks; and environmental and climate change benefits - moving away from more energy-hungry copper to energy efficient fibre networks, which are also more resilient in the face of weather extremes such as storms or higher temperatures. “In countries such as Spain, which announced a few weeks ago that it has completed its process of copper switch off, or France, where the process is well advanced, copper switch off occurred without any significant issues emerging, which indicates that, once well planned and executed by key stakeholders, it can be an effective process”, added Mr. Felten.
SIRO’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ronan Whelan added:
“Comreg data published today indicates that over 75% of all premises in Ireland are now able to access fibre to the premise broadband. This threshold figure means that, subject to set requirements, the conditions for commencing the process of copper switch off now exist. “Moving closer to switching off copper technology, which has existed in Ireland for over 100 years but is no longer fit for purpose in terms of data demands and speeds now required in Ireland, is a hugely positive development for Ireland’s future social and economic growth. Up to €5 billion is being spent on upgrading our broadband networks to full fibre, with Ireland on track to be fully fibred by 2028, if not before. It is now time to leverage that investment in a constructive way that benefits Ireland and positions us as a technologically advanced economy on a par with other leading EU and global states. “For Ireland to keep pace with these developments, we need to be ambitious and set out a comprehensive plan with the input of a range of stakeholders to ensure Ireland is to the fore of this digital transformation, not following it ”, added Mr. Whelan.
Read more on the copper switch off here.
Fibre broadband network operator, SIRO, has today marked a decade since the company was launched by announcing Carrigtwohill will become Ireland’s first full fibre town when SIRO’s build in the Cork town completes later this summer. The announcement was made at a 10th anniversary celebration event held by the company at Dublin’s Merrion Hotel and attended by Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport Patrick O’Donovan T.D. SIRO confirmed at the event that, when it completes its build programme in Carrigtwohill in the coming weeks, all homes and businesses within the town will have access to fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband. This will make Carrigtwohill the first Irish town in which all premises can access full fibre broadband. Carrigtwohill is a growing town, just 12 kilometres from Cork City, whose population has more than trebled to over 5,500 since 2002. Its population is predicted to reach up to 10,000 by 2030, with a sizeable number of new housing developments underway or planned. SIRO’s fibre to the home network will reach over 2,300 premises in the town and the company is also on track for its network to reach the more than 1,000 new homes which are either under construction or planned for the town. Access to fast, reliable and future proofed fibre broadband will support Carrigtwohill’s residents and businesses to live and work more sustainably such as by working remotely, availing of online education or allowing businesses to work smarter and more efficiently using digital tools and resources. SIRO was founded as a joint venture between ESB and Vodafone in May 2015, with the objective of delivering high quality and future proofed fibre connectivity to communities and towns across Ireland. Since then, SIRO fibre broadband network has grown to become Ireland’s second largest - now available to over 650,000 premises in 143 cities and towns in every county in Ireland. SIRO continues to rollout out its network targeting over 700,000 premises by 2026. When SIRO was founded in 2015, only 1% of premises had access to FTTH broadband. SIRO’s launch of Ireland’s first full fibre network spawned a fibre revolution, stimulating real competition in the market. Today, over 7 in 10 of all premises now can avail of FTTH broadband, making the Government’s target Gigabit broadband access for all by 2028 feasible. At the event, many of the ‘Fibre Firsts’ achieved by SIRO over the decade were acknowledged including:
  • First to launch a 100% Fibre to the Home broadband network in Ireland;
  • First to offer 1 Gigabit speeds to Irish homes;
  • First to launch a 10 Gigabit enabled network, followed by 2 Gigabit speeds to residential market in 2021; and
  • First Irish broadband operator to be awarded European FTTH Operator of the Year.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan T.D. noted:
“For a decade, SIRO has played a significant role in accelerating Ireland’s digital transformation, a role that aligns with the Government’s ambition for a connected, inclusive Ireland. Their work advances the vision set out in the Programme for Government, which sets a number of targets, including the completion of the installation of high-speed fibre broadband to 1.1 million people, including homes, farms, and businesses nationwide, by 2026. SIRO has supported real progress for communities and businesses across our country. Their ten-year anniversary reflects a sustained commitment to delivery and innovation and promotes lasting change for communities across the country.”
SIRO CEO John Keaney commented:
“Ten years on from SIRO’s launch, as Ireland’s first fibre to the home network, today is a significant milestone for everyone who, over the last decade, has supported our vision of bringing access to fast, high quality and future proofed broadband connectivity to communities across Ireland. This includes our parents, ESB and Vodafone, our retail partners and their customers, our build contractors, local authorities, Government and State bodies who have supported this objective in various ways. “SIRO’s commitment that all premises – homes and businesses - in the town of Carrigtwohill will soon be able to access fibre to the home broadband, as Ireland’s first fully fibred town, sets the bar for what both the telecoms industry and Government now need to strive to achieve over the coming years . “In an increasingly competitive and digitising global market, Ireland needs every town to be Carrigtwohill – fully fibred and ready to leverage what world leading connectivity can unlock. To do this, key stakeholders must now prioritise switching off our outdated copper network. “Now, more than ever, Ireland needs to play its best cards to continue to attract inward investment and stimulate growth by our domestic businesses. In this regard, our success in rolling out fibre networks is a distinct advantage Ireland needs to make the most of, to protect and grow our economy into the future”, added Mr. Keaney.
ESB Group CEO Paddy Hayes stated:
“SIRO’s success over the past 10 years has been driven by innovation and delivery. Built on ESB Network’s infrastructure, SIRO’s resilient connectivity supports Ireland to live and work more sustainably. At ESB, we share that same commitment to delivery, empowering customers and communities. We appreciate the positive partnership with Vodafone and look forward to supporting further innovation and delivery for communities with SIRO.”
Vodafone Ireland CEO Sabrina Casalta noted:
“SIRO’s successful ten-year journey is a testament to what can be achieved through long-term vision and strong collaboration. From the outset, Vodafone believed in the transformative potential of full fibre broadband, and SIRO has delivered on that promise—bringing future-ready connectivity to towns and communities across Ireland.  “As we mark this milestone, it’s clear that continued investment in fibre infrastructure is not just a national priority, but a strategic imperative to ensure Ireland remains competitive and digitally resilient within the EU and beyond. I want to acknowledge and commend the dedication and hard work of the team at ESB, my Vodafone colleagues, and especially John and the wider SIRO team. Ten years of success is no small feat. Here’s to continued progress and impact.”