As places as far away in the Black Valley in Kerry enjoy the roll out of broadband by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) the stark reality is places in Meath including Curraha and Ratoath still cannot get broadband.
Cllr Joe Bonner has been contacted by several constituents in the area and has been reliably informed by sources that there will be no rollout of the services in these areas, to at least 2026.
He commented;
‘I am disgusted and shocked that this is the position in this day and age. When the can get broadband to remote places like the Black Valley which I am delighted for the people,
but here in Meath and in such close proximity to the capital we can’t guarantee a proper service. Its disgraceful to think people will have to wait for at least three years.
The Black Valley or Cummeenduff is a remote valley at the southern end of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range in Kerry which only got electricity from the national grid in 1976 but now has broadband for its residents.
Informed sources will only state that deployment work has not commenced in the Dunshaughlin area of Meath and it would be unlikely to commence until the middle or late 2026
at the earliest. The source also claims that despite efforts to get the broadband up and running earlier the existing plans are agreed with government and can’t be changed.
The only suggestions put forward are to seek wireless solutions or avail of remote working facilities in the locality.
‘The frustration and disbelief from constituents is understandable’ points out Cllr Bonner and he calls on NBI to act faster. He also advises people to contact their local councillors
and TD’s to put pressure on broadband being delivered faster in the county.
”We just should not accept this type of roll out from NBI ” says Bonner.
If you are waiting on broadband, a visit to the NBI website will also give you concern for the national roll out.
On the NBI website, they freely volunteer the following information ;
”When will the network be completed?
We will have completed the network build within 7 years.
We will continue to add to and upgrade the network, and connect new homes or premises built in the roll out area, over the next 25 – 35 years.”
