Forty-one towns nationwide are going to receive broadband over the next 18 months as part of a €55 million Government investment.
In a statement today the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Dermot Ahern said the Regional Broadband Programme would bring a high speed communications network to an additional 350,000 people.
This investment follows the investment of €65 million into rolling out the service in 26 large towns and cities.
The Department will now issue a Call For Proposals to the local authorities over the next few weeks. Construction work is due to begin the autumn. The work is expected to last 12 months.
"The networks already in the ground have cost in the region of €65 million but they will repay this investment back ten fold through increased competitiveness, global access and application of cutting edge technology," the Minister said.
Limerick-based technology company e-net has been awarded the contract for the rollout.
The 41 towns are: Athenry, Ballinasloe, Ballybofey, Bantry, Blarney, Bundoran, Carrigaline, Castleblaney, Castleisland, Castlerea, Claremorris, Clifden, Clones, Cobh, Cahir, Dingle, Donabate, Dunshaughlin, Enniskerry, Furbo, Kenmare, Kilcoole, Kildare, Kinsale, Knock, Longford, Maynooth, Midleton, Mitchelstown, Mountmellick, Nenagh, Newbridge, Rathangan, Ratoath, Sallins, Skerries, Skibereen, Sligo, Tramore, Trim and Youghal.