THE National Broadband connection is now available on Bere Island with the high-speed fibre connection now available to almost 59,000 homes, farms and businesses across Cork.

National Broadband Ireland (NBI) confirmed its connection at An tOileán Mór last Friday and said it means that 317 homes and businesses on the island can now access high-speed fibre broadband.

To date 18,996 premises across the county have signed up to the NBI network with works completed in Carrrigaline as well as the Beara Peninsula.

NBI’s fibre broadband rollout is delivering the service to what is known as the State’s Intervention Area, which includes the most remote and rural parts of Ireland where commercial operators have no plans to deliver broadband.

The Intervention Area currently includes 83,000 premises in Cork, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second.

As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Co Cork will receive €314m of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.  

NBI CEO TJ Malone said: ‘The delivery of high-speed broadband to the islands is having a transformative impact on what are some of the most remote communities in the country, supporting local businesses, enabling remote working and learning, and helping people live on the islands year-round.’

National Broadband Ireland is encouraging all Co Cork residents to visit nbi.ie and check their Eircode to see if they’re ready to connect and find out more about placing an order.