SIRO Marks 10 Years of Fibre Firsts as it Celebrates a Decade of Rolling Out Fibre-to-the-Home Broadband

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 10^th 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.”

SIRO, Ireland’s leading 100% fibre broadband network operator, has announced that its network is now live in Mitchelstown and Kanturk in County Cork. With SIRO’s network now available in both towns, residents and businesses can now access gigabit-speed connectivity, empowering homes, supporting businesses, and enabling a digital future. In Kanturk, a total of 1,019 premises have now been passed and are ready to connect, including 610 premises passed in April. With only 190 premises remaining, the rollout is nearly complete. Local areas where SIRO fibre is now available include Doctor Pat O'Callaghan Park, Millbrook, Aisling Gheal, Percival Street, Bluepool Upper, Watergate Street, and Church Street. Meanwhile in Mitchelstown, 384 premises are now passed, with a further 1,111 premises to be connected by June, extending access to even more homes and businesses. This expansion will bring transformative broadband speeds, supporting remote working, online education, digital services, and future economic growth. This new deployment builds on SIRO’s ongoing investment in County Cork. This latest deployment follows SIRO’s recent expansion in Cobh, with 1,053 premises passed. With both Mitchelstown and Kanturk now benefiting from SIRO’s fibre broadband, more communities across the region are gaining access to the high-speed connectivity needed to support modern living and business growth. The expansion into Kanturk and Mitchelstown is part of SIRO’s mission to bring future-proof broadband infrastructure to towns across Ireland. In County Cork alone, SIRO has passed over 88, 000 premises, enabling connectivity in towns including Ballincollig, Bandon, Carrigaline, Carrigtwohill, Fermoy, Little Island, Mallow, Midleton, Skibbereen, Youghal, Crosshaven, Cobh and Kinsale. To date, SIRO’s national network has reached more than 650,000 premises across 142 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 communities all across Ireland. SIRO Chief Executive Officer, John Keaney commented:

"Today, reliable, high-speed broadband is the foundation of how we live, work, and do business. Our investment in towns like Mitchelstown and Kanturk reflects our commitment to ensuring that all communities – not just major cities – have access to the world-class connectivity they need to succeed and grow in a digital-first future."

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"]

The 2025 Pollinator Project was launched today by Minister of State at the Department of Housing, with Special Responsibility for Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan T.D. This year’s project will see 9,000 school children across Ireland being trained as pollinator ambassadors. The Pollinator Project is Ireland’s largest and longest-running pollinator education programme. The project is now open for applications and encouraging schools to get involved. A collaboration between Biodiversity in Schools and SIRO, Ireland’s 100% fibre broadband network operator, the initiative works by educating and empowering young people on how to protect and nurture the habitats of bees and other pollinators such as butterflies, moths and birds. The initiative actively supports the goals of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. This year’s project is expected to engage with 75,000 students overall as it supports participating schools and their wider communities to take meaningful action in protecting Ireland’s declining bee and pollinator populations.

Pollinators play a vital role in Irish food production and agriculture. With 78% of the country’s wild plants depending on insect pollination, according to the National Biodiversity Data Centre. Yet their populations face significant threats, including habitat loss from the destruction of species-rich grasslands, native hedgerows, and trees, as well as a lack of safe nesting sites. In the case of bees alone, half of Ireland’s 100 native species are in decline and a third are at risk of extinction. Youth education and community involvement can play a huge role reversing pollinator decline. The Pollinator Project is helping to drive this change by equipping young people with the tools and knowledge to make a tangible impact in their schools and communities, including how to create and maintain pollinator-friendly environments. In 2025, the project aims to expand its reach further. It will do this by providing even more free resources, pollinator toolkits and educational workshops to pre-schools, primary schools, secondary schools, and homeschool groups. Each kit contains essential resources to help students create pollinator-friendly spaces, learn about biodiversity, and actively contribute to conservation efforts. With the project application process now live for 2025 here, schools across Ireland are encouraged to apply for their free pollinator toolkits and workshops, arming them with the assets to create pollinator friendly environments in their school grounds. Minister of State with responsibility for Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan T.D. noted:

“This Project, rooted in local communities through its roll-out in Irish schools, can be hugely impactful and will equip the next generation, the future guardians of nature, with an appreciation of the natural world. “I commend both Biodiversity in Schools, their corporate sponsor, SIRO, on what they have achieved through this project to date and encourage schools across Ireland to get involved,” added Minister O’Sullivan.

Director of Biodiversity in Schools, Mark Nolan stated:

"We are thrilled to open applications for the Pollinator Project in 2025. Thanks to the continued support from SIRO over recent years we have been able to grow the initiative into the largest pollinator school programme in Ireland. This year we will be directly training almost 9,000 young people as pollinator ambassadors for their school with an overall reach of around 75,000 students taking bee-positive actions. The project is a wonderful showcase of what's possible when business and schools come together to take real action for nature".

Outlining SIRO’s support for the initiative, CEO John Keaney stated:

“At SIRO, our full fibre broadband network is now rooted in communities across Ireland. We see firsthand the ways in which that connectivity can support people to live more sustainably. But protecting and supporting our natural environment is also hugely important to that objective. We strongly believe that business must play its part in reversing the decline in our natural environment and support its renewal for the generations to come. “Through this project, we want to nurture the next generation of biodiversity champions, empowering young people to respect, protect and preserve our natural habitats. SIRO is pleased to support this valuable work and are excited to see the Project grow further in 2025”, added Mr. Keaney.

The Pollinator Project is now open for school applicants. Schools and teachers who are interested in participating in the Pollinator Project Initiative can find out more details here.

SIRO, Ireland’s leading fibre broadband network operator, today announced the commencement of works to bring its 100% fibre broadband network to Mountmellick, representing an investment of approximately €2 million in the town. Once the rollout is complete, high-speed, reliable broadband will be available to 1,940 premises, including homes and businesses. Construction works will commence in March and are expected to complete in May. As part of the build, planned electricity outages will be required between the week of 19th of March and the week of the 28th of April inclusive, coordinated with ESB Networks. Impacted residents will be notified in advance of these outages, with SIRO and ESB Networks working closely to minimise disruption. Areas that will be covered by the rollout include, but are not limited to: Willow Grove, Grange Hall, St Josephs Terrace, Esker Gate, Manor Grove, Ash Grove, Silverwood Kirwan Park, Hawthorn Ave, Twomey Terrace, and Pattisons Estate.

SIRO’s full fibre network, with speeds of up to 2Gb, will provide Mountmellick residents and businesses with world-class connectivity, enabling everything from seamless remote working and video streaming to supporting local enterprises in their digital growth. Over the longer term, SIRO’s full fibre broadband network has the capacity to reach speeds of up to 25 Gigabits, allowing the town to have fast reliable broadband for decades to come. The expansion into Mountmellick is part of SIRO’s mission to bring future-proof broadband infrastructure to towns across Ireland. In County Laois, SIRO has passed 14,000 premises, already enabling connectivity in Portlaoise and Portarlington. SIRO already enjoys a strong and growing footprint across Laois and the wider Midlands. This also includes Tullamore Athlone, Mullingar and Carlow town. SIRO’s national rollout aims to pass over 700,000 premises by 2026. Already, more than 630,000 homes and businesses in 142 towns and cities across Ireland can access SIRO’s full fibre network, due to SIRO’s €1 billion investment in building a high-quality fibre broadband network. Commenting on the expansion, John Keaney, SIRO Chief Executive Officer said:

"Investing in Mountmellick is part of SIRO's commitment to delivering high-quality fibre broadband to towns across Ireland. Access to reliable, high-speed broadband is essential for supporting local businesses, enabling remote work, and improving quality of life. We are excited to bring our transformative fibre broadband to Mountmellick".

AI is revolutionising the operational efficiency of telecommunications providers by streamlining processes to be smarter, faster, and more cost-effective. While the initial impact of AI has been predominantly seen in customer service, its applications are now expanding across all facets of telecom businesses. From enhancing network efficiency to predictive maintenance and smarter capital expenditure (capex) strategies, AI is playing an increasingly integral role in telecom operations. In the long term, as AI adoption continues to scale, telecom companies have the opportunity to improve their bottom lines and deliver innovative services that can redefine customer experiences.

AI and the Telecommunications Industry: The Role of Fibre and 5G

AI has the potential to greatly benefit the telecommunications industry, especially when paired with the strengths of fixed fibre and 5G networks. For example, fibre provides high-capacity, low-latency connections that are ideal for AI training and large-scale data analytics. On the other hand, 5G complements fibre by offering ultra-reliable, low-latency communication, especially in mobile and dynamic environments like IoT devices and autonomous vehicles. One of the primary advantages of combining fibre and 5G is the seamless flow of data across both fixed and mobile networks. This integrated approach allows for real-time decision-making and predictive analytics, enhancing network management. For instance, telecom operators can use AI-driven platforms that rely on fibre for centralised data processing and 5G for edge data collection. This synergy improves service reliability and customer experience by enabling real-time diagnostics and quicker troubleshooting of network issues.

Real-Time AI Applications

The combination of fibre and 5G can be instrumental for AI-driven applications that require stable, high-speed connectivity for processing large datasets in cloud environments. For example, 5G enables rapid communication between edge devices and central systems, supporting time-sensitive applications like remote healthcare monitoring, augmented reality (AR), and autonomous transportation systems.

Accelerating Edge AI

AI can also benefit from the backhaul connectivity that fibre offers, which supports robust computation and data storage in centralised data centres. Meanwhile, 5G provides high-speed, low-latency connectivity for edge devices, enabling AI to function closer to data sources. This is particularly useful in applications like smart manufacturing, predictive maintenance, and intelligent urban infrastructure. Telecom companies, for example, can deploy smart home solutions where 5G connects devices, and fibre supports the data processing for AI-driven automation.

Enhancing Training and Deployment Cycles

AI training often requires the transfer of large datasets, a process that fibre can facilitate. Meanwhile, 5G ensures that updates to AI models can be deployed in real-time to field devices. For telecom companies, this means predictive maintenance AI models can be trained on data transmitted through fibre and updated in real-time using 5G to field devices. This integration reduces downtime by enabling issues to be predicted and addressed before they escalate.

Optimising Network Performance with AI

Fibre provides consistent connectivity that powers AI-driven network optimisation tools, while 5G uses AI to dynamically allocate bandwidth and optimise connections, especially in mobile or congested environments. This enables telecom providers to create self-optimising networks that enhance user experience and reduce operational costs. AI algorithms can analyse network usage patterns, using fibre for backhaul data transfer and 5G to adjust bandwidth allocation in real-time, reducing buffering and dropped calls during peak usage times.

Driving Sustainability

Fibre and 5G also have a key role in driving sustainability in telecom operations. Fibre networks are inherently energy-efficient, reducing power consumption, which is crucial for supporting large-scale AI workloads. 5G enables AI-driven energy optimisation in mobile network operations, helping telecom providers meet sustainability goals by optimising resource allocation across hybrid networks. This helps reduce the carbon footprint, align telecom operations with global sustainability standards, and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. The convergence of fibre and 5G technologies, enhanced by AI, is revolutionising the telecommunications landscape. The synergy between these technologies enables more efficient resource management, network optimisation, and the ability to scale AI-driven applications across industries. From supporting smart cities and IoT ecosystems to driving sustainability, AI is becoming the backbone of telecom innovation, creating new revenue streams and opportunities for businesses like SIRO to lead the way in providing first-class services to customers.

SIRO, Ireland’s leading 100% fibre broadband network operator, has announced that its network is now live in Kinsale, delivering ultrafast broadband to homes and businesses in the area. With 531 premises passed in November, residents and businesses in Kinsale now have access to reliable, gigabit-level connectivity. Initial rollout areas include Butcher Row, Rath Beg, Rath More, Abbey-Lands, and Cappagh. An additional 500 premises are planned for December, with another 910 set to go live by March 2025. Areas earmarked for future connection include Ballynacubby, Commoge, Dromderrig, Town Plots, Scilly, Ardbrack, Forthill, and Troopers Close.

This development is part of SIRO’s mission to bring future-proof broadband infrastructure to towns across Ireland. In County Cork alone, SIRO has passed close to 86,000 premises, enabling connectivity in towns including Ballincollig, Bandon, Carrigaline, Carrigtwohill, Fermoy, Little Island, Mallow, Midleton, Skibbereen, Youghal, and Crosshaven. Residents and businesses in Kinsale can order SIRO broadband through one of its retail partners, including Virgin Media, Vodafone, Sky, Digiweb, Pure Telecom, Blacknight Solutions, and Fastcom.  This expansion is part of SIRO’s national rollout, which aims to pass over 700,000 premises by 2026. Already, more than 600,000 homes and businesses in 142 towns and cities across Ireland are connected, thanks to SIRO’s €1 billion investment in building a high-quality fibre broadband network. Speaking about the Kinsale rollout, SIRO CEO John Keaney said:

“We are thrilled to bring SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband to Kinsale, a town with a vibrant community and dynamic businesses. Access to reliable, ultrafast broadband is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for living and working in today’s digital world. Our network ensures that Kinsale’s residents and businesses can thrive, whether it’s through seamless remote working, online learning, or growing their businesses.”

SIRO, Ireland’s leading 100% fibre broadband network operator, has announced that its services are now live in Edenderry. This milestone means that 2,126 homes and businesses in the town can now access gigabit broadband, bringing transformative connectivity to the local community. The rollout in Edenderry has already seen significant progress, with 926 premises passed in the last months coming to October and an additional 1,200 premises going live in November. Key areas that have benefitted from the rollout include, but are not limited to: The Sycamores, Killane View, Killane Heights, Killane Drive, Boyne Meadows, Rectory Meadows, Father Murphy Street, Church View Heights, and Clonmullen Court. Looking ahead, SIRO is set to bring its fibre network to 1,002 more premises in Edenderry by mid-2025. This marks a continued investment in ensuring the town is equipped with a future-proof broadband infrastructure that meets the needs of homes and businesses alike.

Residents and businesses in Edenderry can order SIRO broadband through one of its retail partners, including Virgin Media, Vodafone, Sky, Digiweb, Pure Telecom, Blacknight Solutions, and Fastcom. This expansion is part of SIRO’s broader national rollout, which aims to pass over 700,000 premises by 2026. More than 600,000 homes and businesses in 142 towns and cities across Ireland are already connected, all part of SIRO’s €1 billion investment to provide future-proof broadband infrastructure across the country. Speaking about the Edenderry rollout, SIRO CEO John Keaney said:

"We are delighted to bring SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband to Edenderry. High-quality connectivity is vital for communities and businesses to thrive in today’s digital economy. Our network will empower residents and businesses with the reliable and fast broadband they need to connect, work, and innovate, now and into the future."

This year has brought an exciting array of new games across multiple consoles. With so many titles to choose, parents may find it challenging to pick the right games for their kids, especially with Black Friday and Cyber Monday right around the corner. To help, we have compiled a list of five games that will delight gamers of all ages.

Image Source: Game Stop

Princess Peach Showtime!

Synopsis Princess Peach receives a flyer advertising plays at the Sparkle Theatre. Peach is curious and decides to attend the theatre. When she arrives, a wicked sorceress named Grape and her minions, the Sour Bunch, invade and take over the theatre, trapping the visitors inside the building. Peach meets Stella, the Sparkle Theatre’s guardian. Making their way throughout all the different plays, Peach and Stella work to rescue the Sparklas.

Is the game multiplayer?

The game is a single player title with no multiplayer features.

Does the game contain microtransactions?

No, this game contains no microtransactions

What ages is this game suitable for?

Princess Peach Showtime is a game that is suitable for all ages.

Image Source: Sonic Fandom

Sonic Shadow Generations

Synopsis The events of Shadow Generations take place alongside those of Sonic Generations. The plot follows Shadow the Hedgehog as he faces his archenemy, the alien Black Doom, who has returned following his defeat in Shadow the Hedgehog (2005) and plans to take over the world.

Is the game multiplayer?

While the game is primarily single player, the game will also contain several multiplayer features for two or more players.

Does the game contain microtransactions?

No, this game contains no microtransactions

What ages is this game suitable for?

Sonic Shadow Generations is a game that is suitable for all ages.

Image Source: Moby Games

Zenless Zone Zero

Synopsis The player takes on the role of a Proxy (the main protagonist is known as Wise or Belle based on the players choice), a character who helps others explore various hostile alternate dimensions called Hollows. 

Is the game multiplayer?

The game is a single player title and is suitable for ages 12 and up

Does the game contain microtransactions?

Yes, the game has microtransactions.

What ages is this game suitable for?

Zen Less Zone Zero is suitable for ages 12 and up

Image Source: Digital Spy

Zelda Echoes of Wisdom

Synopsis Players take control of Zelda on a quest to save Link and the kingdom of Hyrule using the Tri Rod. The player controls Princess Zelda, who can use the power of the Tri Rod to create "echoes", imitations of different objects and monsters that can be used freely. There is a limit on how many of these can be summoned and each echo has a different cost. Zelda can directly fight enemies by wielding a sword that transforms her into the Swordfighter form.

Is the game multiplayer?

The game is a single player title and does not feature any multiplayer

Does the game contain microtransactions?

No, this game does not contain any microtransactions

What ages is this game suitable for?

Zelda Echoes of Wisdom is suitable for players aged 10 and up

Image Source: Jays Brick Blog

Lego Horizon Adventures

Synopsis In a distant future, the land is made of LEGO bricks and incredible dinosaur-like machines roam the planet. Aloy, the main protagonist, is found in a cave and raised by a huntsman named Rost, who teaches her the way of the wilds. Eventually, Aloy embarks on a quest to discover her true destiny. On the journey, Aloy must confront Helis, the leader of a group of sunworshippers who bow to an Ancient Evil shrouded in mystery.

Is this game multiplayer?

Much like past Lego games like this, the game features a two-player cooperative multiplayer mode. Two players can enjoy LEGO Horizon Adventures via couch or online co-op.

Does the game contain microtransactions?

No, it has so far been confirmed the game contains no microtransactions, but this may be subject to change in the following months.

What ages is this game suitable for?

The suitable age for this title is 7+ to teens With these exciting games lined up, there’s no better time to upgrade your home entertainment experience with a reliable fibre connection. Enhance your gaming experience with SIRO’s 100% fibre network—bringing you the speed and reliability for seamless gameplay, quick downloads, and smooth online sessions. Get connected and unlock the ultimate entertainment experience at home! [lookup_modal type="eircode" button-text="Search Your Eircode" position="mid" title="Input your Eircode to check whether SIRO is available at your location"]

SIRO and Vodafone have been announced as connectivity partners for Monaghan’s newest enterprise hub, CTEK2. The Carrickmacross enterprise hub was officially opened earlier this month by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D., with representatives from Monaghan County Council, Enterprising Monaghan, elected representatives and other key stakeholders all in attendance. The CTEK2 Hub has now also joined the Gigabit Hub Initiative. The Initiative is a partnership between SIRO and Vodafone, which brings Gigabit Fibre Connectivity to remote working and digital hubs across Ireland. CTEK2 is joining a host of other successful Hubs across Ireland, such as Dundalk’s Creative Spark, Galway’s PorterShed and Skibbereen Ludgate Hub which have already benefitted from the Initiative. CTEK2 is the 24^th Hub to join the Initiative.

The CTEK2 Hub can now provide businesses and tenants with high-speed, high-quality fibre connectivity, supported by SIRO’s 100% fibre network, which can provide speeds of up to 25 Gigabits, future proofing the service for decades to come. This means that as the bandwidth and speed needs of Monaghan businesses grow in the years to come the CTEK2 Hub can continue to keep pace with their needs. CTEK2 is already proving hugely popular with the Carrickmacross and wider Monaghan business community, with 11 tenants already availing of the 17 units onsite. The new hub compliments the existing CTEK1 building located next door, which has been open for several years. The new Hub is already supporting 50 jobs. Businesses using the Hub include a home care provider, an accountancy firm, an executive car rental company and physical therapist, among others. Overall, the 1,450-square-meter facility supports regional talent retention, provides a work base for former commuters, and attracts start-ups from Monaghan and surrounding counties. Offering a range of office options, from hot desks to private spaces, CTEK2 is designed to meet the needs of various users, from solo entrepreneurs to established enterprises. Its extensive facilities, including ample parking and kitchen spaces, allowing tenants to work in a flexible, professional environment close to home. As CTEK2 continues to grow, it plans to host community events and offer further professional development opportunities, solidifying its role as a cornerstone for local business success and innovation. SIRO is a leading full fibre broadband operator rolling out a 100% fibre broadband network across Ireland. Its network is currently available in Carrickmacross and Monaghan town. Robert Burns, CEO of Monaghan County Council stated:

“Supporting innovation and driving economic growth in the region are top priorities for Monaghan County Council. We are confident that the partnership between SIRO and Vodafone will significantly advance these goals. The Gigabit Hub Initiative, with its provision of high-speed connectivity, will foster the development of new businesses in the Carrickmacross area and promote sustainable job creation throughout the region.”

John Keaney, SIRO Chief Executive Officer said:

"We’re pleased to partner with Monaghan County Council to bring Gigabit connectivity to CTEK2, a vital addition to Carrickmacross that supports local business growth and job creation. Through the Gigabit Hub Initiative, we are committed to empowering business communities across Ireland by providing the high-speed, reliable infrastructure they need to innovate, attract talent, and expand into new markets. CTEK2 is an excellent example of how world-class connectivity can drive regional economic growth, and we look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the local community."

Amanda Nelson, Vodafone Ireland CEO commented:

“Vodafone is pleased to partner with Enterprising Monaghan to provide 100% fibre broadband at their new Carrickmacross facility as part of our Gigabit Hub Initiative. This high-speed connectivity will serve as an asset for the facility’s thriving community of businesses, start-ups, and remote professionals, enabling them with the digital infrastructure essential for growth and success, both locally and beyond.”

Find out more about CTEK I & 2 at www.enterprisingmonaghan.ie

SIRO, Ireland’s leading fibre broadband network operator, is excited to announce the continued expansion of its high-speed broadband service in Cork, with new premises now live in Crosshaven. This latest development ensures that more homes and businesses in the area can now access fast and reliable broadband. To date, SIRO has passed 403 premises in Crosshaven, covering areas such as Drakes Point and Brightwater. An additional 186 premises in Church Bay are set to be connected in December as the rollout continues. Residents and businesses in Crosshaven can order SIRO broadband through one of its retail partners, including Virgin Media, Vodafone, Sky, Digiweb, Pure Telecom, Blacknight Solutions, and Fastcom.

SIRO’s network continues to grow across Cork County, where 85,553 premises have already been connected. To end 2024, a further 3,600 homes and businesses are forecast to gain access to SIRO’s ultrafast fibre broadband across the county. Towns already benefiting from SIRO’s service include Ballincollig, Bandon, Carrigaline, Carrigtwohill, Fermoy, Little Island, Mallow, Midleton, Skibbereen, and Youghal. Additional towns, such as Kinsale and Cobh, are expected to go live later this year. This expansion is part of SIRO’s broader national rollout, which aims to pass over 700,000 premises by 2026. More than 600,000 homes and businesses in 135 towns and cities across Ireland are already connected, all part of SIRO’s €1 billion investment to provide future-proof broadband infrastructure across the country. Commenting on the rollout, SIRO Chief Executive Officer John Keaney said:

“We’re excited to bring our full fibre network to Crosshaven, ensuring that residents and businesses have access to the high-speed broadband needed to keep up with modern demands. Whether it’s for remote working, education, or entertainment, a reliable connection essential, and we’re committed to delivering it. Our expansion in Cork is part of SIRO’s broader mission to bring future-proof connectivity to communities across Ireland, helping them thrive in today’s digital world.”