High-speed fibre networks are coming to Kilkenny, Loughrea and Ardee after open access network operator Enet said today it planned to invest €2.5 million in broadband infrastructure in the three locations.

The plan will bring fibre directly into businesses, rather than connecting to a local telecoms exchange or cabinet, and comes only a matter of weeks after Enet revealed its plans to create Ireland’s first fibre town in Claremorris. The fibre link will allow SMEs to access broadband speeds of up to 250Mbps, and replaces older copper networks originally intended to carry voice traffic.

The investment was welcomed by Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte, saying it showed "real commitment" to developing industry-strength broadband for businesses.

“Fibre infrastructure and high speed broadband are essential supports for digital entrepreneurship, national competitiveness and job creation,” he said.

Enet manages the metropolitan area networks, which bring high-speed broadband connections to cities and towns around the State and connect 94 regional cities and towns.

“This is a significant day for Irish telecoms,” said David C McCourt, chairman of Enet. “Loughrea, Ardee and Kilkenny can look forward to gaining a significant competitive advantage in terms of keeping, developing and attracting new companies and new jobs, driving innovation and acting as a platform for economic stimulus in the localities.”