eir report shows large scale investment in Kildare since 2016 employing 200 within the county

eir, Ireland’s leading telecommunications provider, has released its first ever comprehensive Economic and Social Impact Report

eir, Ireland’s leading telecommunications provider, has released its first ever comprehensive Economic and Social Impact Report, which highlights that the company has invested almost €1.7 billion in telecommunications infrastructure in the last six years, supporting Ireland to become one of the most digitally connected countries in Europe. 

eir has also announced a further €500 million investment to expand its fibre network across Ireland, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing nationwide connectivity.

eir has also announced that 65,206 homes and businesses across Kildare can now access gigabit fibre broadband, according to new data from its fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband roll-out programme. The fibre build project is already 80% complete in Kildare with 65,206 homes and businesses now having access to high-speed fibre connection, following investment of €42.4 million into the Kildare network. On completion, the network will serve 81,185 premises across the county of Kildare, facilitating broadband speeds up to 100 times faster than a traditional copper network.

In addition to its substantial investment in Fibre across County Kildare, eir has made a multi million euro investment to upgrade 99 mobile sites across County Kildare over the past 4 years. This investment provides over 99% 4G coverage in the county through the eir mobile and GoMo brands, enabling high quality mobile voice and data experiences.

eir is also supporting the Government’s National Broadband Plan in County Kildare through the use of several thousand of its poles to facilitate the rollout of rural fibre.

The report has found that eir plays a pivotal role in advancing digital inclusion across Ireland, supporting €172 billion in digital economic activity with its expansive network. eir's continued investments, in tandem with the Government’s National Broadband Plan, aim to ensure that by the end of 2028, every home and business in Ireland - covering over 2.4 million premises - will have access to high-speed gigabit broadband. This effort promises to bring transformative connectivity to communities nationwide, empowering Ireland’s digital future.

Key findings from the Report:

• eir has invested €1.664 billion in Ireland since 2018, supporting substantial infrastructure development.
• In 2023, eir’s capital expenditure was €288 million, consistent with previous years.
• eir employs 3,170 people directly across Ireland, creating approximately 4,755 indirect and induced jobs nationwide.
• eir’s broadband infrastructure underpins €172 billion in Ireland's economic activity, essential to the country's digital economy.
• eir’s investments help Ireland rank among the top five EU countries in the Digital Economy and Society Index.

eir aims to provide gigabit fibre connectivity to 1.9 million homes and businesses throughout Ireland. To date, this network is already available to more than 1.3 million premises, with almost 500,000 homes and businesses now connected.

Speaking at today’s launch, Oliver Loomes, CEO of eir, said “A digitally inclusive economy and society are crucial for Ireland’s future. With an additional €500 million committed investment in our communications infrastructure, eir is committed to strengthening this foundation. This report not only highlights our direct contributions to the Irish economy through employment and investment but also our broader impact in enabling the digital economy. Our extensive network infrastructure is essential to Ireland’s digital transformation, supporting both EU and national strategies that prioritise digitalisation for societal, economic, and environmental advancement. eir’s infrastructure underpins €172 billion in economic activity across Ireland."

Also speaking at the launch of the report, Associate Professor Emeritus of Economics, Anthony Foley, of Dublin City University Business School, and author of the Report, “What we have found in conducting this research is that a cutting-edge digital network infrastructure is the foundation of a flourishing digital economy and society. The globalisation and FDI aspects of the Irish economy mean that broadband infrastructure and services, and international digital connectivity are significant competitiveness issues. Ireland is a very open economy. There is a continuing need to match, and ideally exceed, international broadband capability.”

The Report also underscores eir’s commitment to sustainability, with the rollout of a full-fibre network to 84% of Irish homes and businesses playing a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and improving network resilience against climate-related storms.

Through ongoing infrastructure investments, a focus on sustainability, and promoting digital inclusion, eir is shaping Ireland's digital future and eir's further €500 million network investment will fuel innovation, enhance connectivity, and create new opportunities for businesses and communities across the country.