Ministers Chambers and Higgins Highlight Major Progress in Ireland's Digital Infrastructure at National Ploughing Championships

Minister Jack Chambers and Minister of State Emer Higgins have announced major progress in Ireland’s digital infrastructure at the National Ploughing Championships today, including a new high-speed government network and satellite services for remote areas. Like the new data centre in Backweston, these projects were delivered on time and within budget with thanks to strategic investment under the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. Funded through NextGenerationEU, these projects mark a significant step forward in Ireland’s digital transformation journey, enhancing the resilience, efficiency and security of public services nationwide.

The project was originally initiated to complement the Government’s National Broadband plan by enabling faster and more reliable connectivity for emergency services and remote healthcare outside the reach of fixed fibre. But it is particularly valuable when preventing the connectivity issues sometimes experienced by first responders when dealing with emergency situations during extreme weather conditions in remote areas.

To improve overall coverage in isolated communities, the Government has awarded a contract to eir evo to deliver Eutelsat Web One satellite services.

The new low latency platform and satellite services are built to be resilient even through emergency situations and will;

• Connect Government departments and agencies with fast, reliable communication
• Support emergency services like ambulance, fire and rescue teams
• Replace older systems (like tetra radios) with modern secure technology.

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers welcomed the announcement, saying;

“I think it is particularly appropriate that we are making this announcement here at the National Ploughing Championships, which of course is not just a celebration of rural life and culture in Ireland but also an opportunity to explore the latest innovations that are already transforming the industry and will continue to support the future of agriculture.

“Initiatives such as the high-speed network and satellite services and the new data centre in Backweston, will help us transform our public services by ensuring they have the modern infrastructure they need to work securely and reliably — no matter where people live or what challenges arise.

“The new National Low Latency Platform is a secure, high-speed network connecting government bodies across Ireland and is now fully operational. Funded through the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the network stretches from Westport to Waterford, and Cork to Dundalk, helping public services work faster and more reliably.”

Minister of State with special responsibility for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment, Emer Higgins also attended the launch of the new technology and said;

“These projects are about building strong foundations for Ireland’s future. Our emergency services do a fantastic job in circumstances that can be very challenging. I am delighted to announce the delivery of the new high speed, secure communications network which will ensure emergency teams can stay connected in the most remote areas, helping people stay safe especially during bad weather or emergencies.”

Next week, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) will host a live demonstration in Westport, showing how the network supports emergency services. Ireland is leading the Public Protection and disaster relief journey in Europe and EU colleagues will be present at the event along with emergency services and Government Departments.