Broadband connectivity is to be available in eight towns in the mid-west and midlands by the end of the year.
The news comes following the announcement by Shannon Broadband Ltd to award a contract which will oversee the laying of 52km of broadband cable in the next six months.
The company was set up in 2003 as a public sector regional telecoms company to ensure that regional towns got their share of broadband roll out.
It has contracted the Cavan-based Clarke Quarries Ltd to undertake the work on laying the fibre optic cable for the towns of Abbeyfeale, Newcastlewest, Kilrush, Nenagh, Roscrea and Templemore, as well as Banagher and Birr.
Work is due to begin in each of the eight towns in early June and is expected to be completed before the end of the year.
Chairman of Shannon Broadband, Kevin Thompstone, said ensuring fast, cost-effective, broadband services is key to attracting inward investment and creating more jobs in the future in these areas.
