NBI Network Now Enabling Mission Critical / Emergency Comms on the Island
National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the new future-proofed, high-speed internet infrastructure under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) on behalf of the Government, has announced that the NBI network™ has been launched on Inishturk Island, off the coast of County Mayo. The island’s premises join an additional 1,000 plus that can now order a high-speed broadband service as part of the Killadoon deployment area.
Significantly, on the back of the launch, NBI also highlighted how its high-speed fibre network helps in the delivery of next-generation Mission Critical Services (MCx) on Inishturk, supporting resilient, real-time communications for emergency response and critical infrastructure on the island. Through NBI’s network, a proprietary MCx solution is now being enabled, bringing advanced operational communications capabilities, integrating instant push-to-talk voice, real-time data sharing, and live video streaming into a single, secure and prioritised platform for emergency services and infrastructure operators.
Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, said: “Today’s announcement marks another important milestone for the National Broadband Plan. Connecting Inishturk and our offshore islands is a critical element of the National Broadband Plan, and a strong reminder of what this project was designed to deliver. It ensures that even the most remote communities can access the same digital opportunities as those in our towns and cities.
“The connection of Inishturk is a powerful example of the National Broadband Plan in action, ensuring no community, no matter how remote, is left behind in Ireland’s digital future. Most significantly this connectivity is now creating the conditions for the delivery of Mission Critical Services, supporting emergency response and critical infrastructure on the island.
“As the National Broadband Plan enters its final phase of delivery, it continues to progress on time and on budget, underscoring the effective delivery of a transformative national infrastructure project.”
Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, who was on the island to mark the occasion, commented, “Connecting Inishturk Island to high-speed fibre under the National Broadband Plan is a hugely significant milestone and a clear demonstration of this Government’s commitment to regional and rural Ireland.
“As Minister, I am proud to see this level of investment reaching our offshore islands, and what is particularly encouraging is how this connectivity is now enabling advanced solutions such as Mission Critical Services. On an island like Inishturk, where resilience and rapid response are vital, the ability to support real-time voice, data and video communications for emergency and essential services can make a meaningful difference to people’s safety and quality of life. This is a powerful example of how the National Broadband Plan is not just bridging the digital divide but delivering tangible social and economic benefits to our most remote communities.”
Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive, Mayo County Council, stated, “Today’s milestone on Inishturk Island reflects the strength of partnership between Mayo County Council and National Broadband Ireland in delivering this transformative infrastructure. Connecting an offshore island is no small feat, and it is through close collaboration, local knowledge and a shared commitment to our communities that we are making it possible.
“We are also delighted to support innovative initiatives such as Mission Critical Services on the island, working closely with partners including the Office of the Government CIO (OGCIO) at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, NBI as well as technology partners. By combining NBI’s future-proofed network with forward-thinking digital leadership, we are enabling new ways for public services to operate and are ensuring that even in Ireland’s most remote communities, critical communications are resilient, secure and fit for the future. This is exactly the kind of joined-up approach that maximises the impact of the National Broadband Plan for citizens and communities.”
Danny O’Toole, Broadband Officer, Mayo County Council, stated, “The aftermath of severe weather events like Storm Éowyn highlighted the vulnerability of remote island communities like Inishturk to disruptions in critical communications infrastructure, particularly during medical emergencies. This pioneering initiative by NBI represents a significant step forward in strengthening emergency preparedness and the overall resilience for remote island communities.”
NBI’s fibre rollout under the NBP is delivering broadband infrastructure to what is known as the State’s Intervention Area, which includes the most remote and rural parts of Ireland where commercial operators have no plans to deliver high-speed broadband. In total, over 22,000 Mayo homes, businesses and farms are now passed and can avail of a high-speed fibre broadband connection on the Government backed network. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Co. Mayo is receiving €145m of Government investment under the NBP.
Joe Lavin, Chief Commercial Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said, “NBI is delighted to announce that Inishturk is now live, bringing the total to over 22,000 Mayo homes, businesses and farms are now passed on our network.
“Delivering high-speed fibre to Inishturk has always been about more than connectivity; it’s about creating a platform that supports services and strengthens community resilience. By enabling advanced capabilities such as Mission Critical Services on the island, we are demonstrating what this network can truly deliver. Fibre provides the capacity, reliability, and performance required for real-time voice, data and video communications, ensuring that essential services can operate effectively, even in the most challenging environments. This is a clear example of how NBI’s infrastructure is underpinning next-generation solutions that will benefit communities long into the future.”
The NBI network™ delivers minimum broadband speeds of 500 megabits per second, so all Mayo residents are encouraged to visit nbi.ie to check their Eircode to see if they’re ready to connect and find out more about placing an order.
