Dundalk shines brighter

Dundalk unveiled as Ireland’s first SIRO-powered town. Construction underway with 1Gigabit Internet service available from autumn this year.

SIRO, the ESB-Vodafone joint venture which is delivering Ireland’s first 100% fibre-optic broadband network to 50 towns nationwide, has today unveiled Dundalk as Ireland’s first SIRO-powered town.

The announcement was made at an event in Louth County Museum in Dundalk, in association with Louth County Council, which was officially opened by Minister of State for Business and Employment Ged Nash TD.

The roll-out of SIRO’s network is currently underway in Dundalk and services will be available from broadband retailers from autumn this year.

We have commenced construction on the network with a trial for over 800 homes in the Coes Road area, going live in September, before the service becomes commercially available in the following weeks. Over the coming months we will connect over 18,500 premises to SIRO, revolutionising the broadband experience in the area to shine brighter.

SIRO’s key differentiator is that it 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 1 GB internet connection. It will transform the internet experience of SMEs, remote workers and consumers in Dundalk. A high definition film (4GB) takes one hour to download with a 10mbps connection, with SIRO it will take 30 seconds.

Commenting at the launch, Minister for Business and Employment Ged Nash said;

“It’s great news that Dundalk has been selected as the first town to receive SIRO’s services.

This development will help attract investment, boost competitiveness and help entrepreneurs to set up online businesses. Such high speed broadband should also allow for more flexible working conditions for residents and better services in homes.

This development by SIRO complements the Government’s own plans to deliver fibre broadband to more than 1,000 rural communities as part of the National Broadband Plan.”

Cllr. Maria Doyle, Chairperson of Dundalk Municipal District also commented;

“On completion, the 100% fibre optic network will be another string to Dundalk’s bow.

We have successfully attracted multinationals to our town in recent years and she hopes that SIRO will assist in us attracting further foreign direct investment as well as allowing indigenous companies and SMEs to grow their businesses. SIRO will be of immense use to educators locally at all levels also.”

Sean Atkinson, CEO of SIRO stated;

“SIRO will revolutionise the broadband experience in Dundalk town. Our 100% fibre optic network, which delivers fibre broadband directly to the home, without the need for copper, provides speeds of 1 GB.

“It will mean that students will be able send large files instantly, that families can download a movie in a few seconds and that working from home is a real prospect for employees. It will mean a completely new internet for Dundalk. Dundalk has a vibrant local economy and a growing digital future, which we are delighted to be a part of.”

Sean Atkinson, SIRO CEO

Atkinson notes this is a first for Ireland, stating;

“SIRO will mean that anyone starting a business in Dundalk will be able to compete not just at a national level, but at an international level.”