enet, Ireland’s largest open access network operator, has announced an immediate investment of €1.5M for the construction of a new world class “metro” fibre network in Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

The installation of duct, sub duct and fibre optic cable will be deployed across the town connecting major commercial and industrial zones, educational institutions, medical premises, as well as sites for Government Networks. Already a number of businesses have signalled their interest in connecting to the infrastructure and demand is seen to be very positive. Construction work is due to commence immediately and the network is scheduled for completion in November of this year.

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D. said: “This Government has worked very hard encouraging job creation and recovery is starting to take hold, but the job is not finished yet. The recovery is fragile and our priority remains to spread recovery to all parts of Ireland. The building of new high speed broadband infrastructure is an important development for improving business potential, creating new export opportunities, and aiding job creation. The project announced by enet today is a vital step forward for Castlebar. It will deliver a world class fibre network in a regional location. I especially wish to commend the work of enet for bringing this initiative to fruition. The new infrastructure will assist agencies such as the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, and the Mayo Local Enterprise Office in their ongoing efforts.”

Conal Henry, enet CEO said: “enet is delighted to announce that we are privately funding a new fibre network in Castlebar. Just like the 94 Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) that we operate on behalf of the State, this privately funded fibre ring will address the problems with the single supplier telecoms monopoly that had previously existed by creating a completely alternative network.”

Mr. Henry went on to say: “Importantly, the enet network will be operated in an open access fashion, meaning that all service providers can have access. The success of this model is proven by the fact that all of Ireland’s telcos currently provide services via the open access MANs. This model is contrary to the exclusive way that traditional operators’ networks functioned and allows for competition in a way that had not previously happened. Our experience has shown that the existence of open access fibre has a major impact on boosting the range, quality and value of communications solutions for businesses in the area.”

In delivering this world class fibre network, Castlebar now joins six other Mayo towns where enet operate fibre infrastructure. The State deployed Metropolitan Area Networks in Ballina, Belmullet, Ballinrobe, Claremorris, Kiltimagh and Knock which are also managed by enet on an open access basis.

In a separate initiative, the company is also currently developing a number of enet “fibredirect” towns across Ireland, with Claremorris having been the first town in Ireland to benefit. The fibredirect infrastructure delivers fibre optic cables be directly into SME premises, allowing them to access broadband speeds of 250Mbs.