The Government’s proposal maintains a focus on ensuring resilient telecoms networks, while broadening priorities to reflect the increasing role of satellite, subsea cables and AI
Ireland has seen notable increases in the availability and adoption of high-quality telecoms services
On 6 November 2026, the Irish Government’s Department of Culture, Communications and Sport launched a four-week consultation on its plan to update the country’s Digital Connectivity Strategy. Over the course of the current strategy, between 2022-2026, the Department states that Ireland has seen significant change in the rollout of cutting-edge connectivity infrastructure, the adoption of new technologies and the implementation of legislation and regulation that has guided a competitive and consumer-oriented sector. For example, the domestic telecoms industry has invested approximately €5bn (£4.2bn) in networks over the past eight years, with 87% of premises now having access to fibre broadband services – compared to 46% in early 2022. In February 2026, the Government also published the National Digital and AI Strategy, which places particular emphasis on strengthening digital connectivity and resilient infrastructure, as well as recognising that high-capacity networks, subsea cables and secure data systems are critical enablers of economic growth and technological leadership.
Three key priorities for the development of digital connectivity and infrastructure out to 2030
The name of the draft strategy has been broadened to the Digital Connectivity and Infrastructure Strategy to underline that connectivity alone no longer captures the full range of “ambitions, systems and dependencies that underpin a digital society”. While building on the progress made under the current version, the proposed update sets out the Department’s three main priorities for the coming years in order to deliver “lasting public value in a rapidly changing environment”:
Everyone connected ensures that by 2030, everyone in Ireland will have access to modern connectivity services that enable people, businesses and communities throughout the country to thrive;
Networks ready for a changing climate provides that telecoms networks will be stronger and more resilient to extreme weather and the impacts of climate change; and
Simpler, people-first rules will ensure regulation puts citizens first, while reducing unnecessary complexity and burdens for industry.
Seven enabling actions that will support industry and influence the Government’s approach
In turn, the three priorities would support seven enabling actions to help the Irish telecoms sector to achieve its objectives, while guiding and shaping how the Department would work over the next four-year period:
Delivering gigabit connectivity, including via completing the rollout of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) and introducing a safeguard for the provision of “adequate broadband”;
Delivering mobile connectivity by championing the deployment of 5G standalone (5GSA) networks and seizing the opportunities of satellite services;
Delivering international connectivity by “reducing, removing or remediating” regulatory barriers to commercial investment in subsea cables;
Building resilience and preparing for emergencies in the near- and long-term, from extreme weather events to cyber incidents;
Delivering forward-looking policy and streamlined regulation, advancing national legislative initiatives while engaging internationally to progress files such as the EU’s Digital Networks Act (DNA);
Building blocks for trusted data infrastructure, implementing the revised eIDAS Regulation as well as reforms to the EU’s Data Act; and
Supporting research and innovation of transformative technologies (e.g. AI, 6G) via pilots and partnerships.
While these actions indicate how the Department would approach seeking to fulfil its ambitions for Ireland’s digital connectivity and infrastructure, it states that it is mindful that unforeseen challenges and opportunities may arise over the lifetime of the updated strategy. According to the Department, it is well positioned to address any unanticipated events that may present difficulties and, on the other hand, to support any developments that would advance the interests of the sector and the country more broadly.
