Communications and Digital

In the area of communications, the government's goal is to provide a world class communications network with high quality services, supporting connected communities and enabling citizens to embrace digital opportunities, in a safe environment.

The government supports economic growth, jobs, competitiveness and social inclusion through a range of policies and regulation designed to facilitate a more digitally connected economy and society. It is focused on ensuring the availability of high quality broadband to every premises in Ireland, balanced regulation to foster investment and innovation, as well as protecting and empowering individuals, communities and businesses in their use of digital technologies.

Government policies and regulations in this area are centred on achieving the following objectives:

• universal access to high speed broadband
• better connected communities
• strengthened cyber security
• enhanced engagement with younger audiences

Ireland’s international and national digital connectivity is vitally important to maintaining and enhancing our competitiveness in global markets and in the knowledge and information economy.

ComReg is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of the electronic communications sector (telecommunications, radio communications, broadcasting transmission and premium rate services) and the postal sector in Ireland

The term 'broadband' refers to internet access. Broadband connectivity is important for growth, innovation and social cohesion.

Today over 7 in 10 premises have access to high speed broadband from commercial operators. There are over 560,000 premises where operators will not provide this essential service.

These are located in the State intervention area. The government has appointed National Broadband Ireland to build, maintain and operate a future proofed high speed broadband network in the State intervention area over a 25 year period.

Read more about Broadband

‘Internet policy’ refers to the policies and governance related to the technical architecture and protocols of the internet. Development of global internet standards is led by a multistakeholder model of governance where everybody, from governments to academic experts to the technical community to members of civil society have a say in decisions that shape the key networks and infrastructure that keep the internet operating. The government participates in the international fora that uphold this multistakeholder model and advocates for a trustworthy, open, globally connected, and safe internet for all.

The internet is a resource for everyone. It connects billions of people and offers countless ways to interact, communicate, be creative and productive. This means new opportunities in terms of how we live, work, and learn. It is vital that everyone is given the opportunity to participate fully in today’s digital world.

Read more about Digital Inclusion

Eircode is Ireland’s national postcode system. It gives a unique code to each residential and business address in Ireland, which pinpoints the location of the property. Over 35% of addresses in Ireland share their address with at least one other property. Eircode was designed specifically to overcome this problem.

Read more about Eircode

The Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS) is responsible for answering all 112 and 999 calls, SMS messages (texts), Real Time Texts (RTT) and eCalls, providing the connection between the caller and the Emergency Services. The ECAS establishes the Emergency Service being requested, that is, An Garda Síochána (AGS), Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) or, in emergencies involving aircraft, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).

The role of the ECAS is to establish the location of the caller for the purpose of routing the call to the most appropriate control centre for that Emergency Service. The call is then connected to the appropriate Emergency Service or in the case of a 112 SMS or RTT, the messages are read to the Emergency Service Operator, who responds via the ECAS Operator, and then takes responsibility for the emergency.

The Communications Regulation (Amendment) Act 2007 provides for the establishment and operation of the ECAS and enables the Minister to enter a contract with an entity to provide the service. BT Communications Ireland Limited (BTCIL) currently holds the contract to operate the service.

In 2024 the ECAS received 2.19 million calls, with volumes in 2025 expected to be approximately the same.

The performance of the ECAS Operator is reviewed annually in accordance with the ECAScontract. A link to the ECAS Annual Reviews can be found below.

Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS) Annual Reviews

Postal services are critical to ensure the people of Ireland are connected and that businesses can operate effectively. The government plays an important role in ensuring that postal services are competitive and efficient.

Read more about Postal Communications