SIRO calls for Budget 2027 to support Gigabit Connectivity for all by 2028

• Intervention now needed if Government is to hit its target of Gigabit Connectivity for all by 2028.
• SIRO Pre-Budget Submission calls for support to address outstanding connectivity deficits.

Broadband network operator, SIRO, in its Pre-Budget Submission has called for the Government to use Budget 2027 as an opportunity to address outstanding national connectivity deficits, particularly broadband blackspot areas and low fibre broadband adoption by Irish business.

There has been significant progress over the last decade in ensuring Ireland has high-speed, high-quality connectivity across the country. Comreg data indicates that 86% of Irish premises are now able to access fibre to the premise (FTTP) broadband; network operators’ fibre broadband rollouts are expected to complete over the coming 12 months; while National Broadband Ireland has been announcing their build completion in counties across Ireland over recent months.

However, 5-10% of all premises nationally (100,00 to 200,000 premises), may be left unable to access full fibre broadband once current commercial rollouts are completed. The high cost of building network to these premises has made them uncommercial.

Despite this, the Government’s own Digital Connectivity Strategy has committed to Gigabit Connectivity for all by 2028.

To meet this commitment, SIRO has called on the Government in Budget 2027 to include funding for a Network Resilience and Diversity Investment Programme.

The programme would help connect remaining broadband blackspots; improve network resilience, strengthen international connectivity links and support climate-resilient communications infrastructure.

SIRO has also called for the establishment of a Copper-to-Fibre Business Migration Initiative led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

With low levels of businesses currently using a fibre-to-the-premises connection (13% according to Comreg’s latest market data), many businesses continue to rely on copper-based broadband services, limiting access to the speed, reliability and resilience benefits of full-fibre connectivity.

The initiative would provide support to SMEs to adopt fibre broadband technology at their business premises. Financial supports to cover their upgrade costs would be provided as part of an extension of the existing Grow Digital Scheme already funded by the Department. This scheme support businesses trade online. Under an expanded Grow Digital Scheme, eligible businesses would receive support for the costs associated with migrating from copper to fibre broadband, including a 100% first-year capital allowance on qualifying expenditure.

Commenting on its Budget Submission, SIRO CEO John Keaney noted:

“Ireland has made enormous progress in rolling out full-fibre broadband, but some strategic gaps remain. Up to 200,000 premises may still be unable to access fibre broadband, while many Irish SMEs continue to rely on outdated copper networks.

“SIRO’s Budget 2027 proposals offer practical, cost-effective measures to address both challenges. By investing in broadband blackspots and supporting business to adopt fibre, Government can help Ireland achieve its Gigabit Connectivity for All ambition and ensure our business are digitally advance and remain internationally competitive”, added Mr. Keaney.