More than 99 per cent of properties in the State now have access to broadband internet, Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan said today.
The remaining 1 per cent, or roughly 12,000 properties, should be able to have a connection within two years.
Speaking at the launch of the National Broadband Scheme in Dublin today, Mr Ryan said increased broadband penetration would aid the State's economic recovery and create jobs and sustainable growth.
"This is the most significant milestone in Ireland's broadband story," Mr Ryan said.
"Two years ago, I committed that the Government would deliver broadband to every district in the country that was without a service. I am pleased to announce today that we have succeeded in our plans."
The scheme, which was delivered by communications group 3 Ireland and cost some €220 million, has made broadband services available to 235,000 homes in 1,028 areas across rural Ireland. 3 Ireland has a contract to provide the service until 2014.
A service with a minimum download speed of 1.6Mbps and maximum of 14.4Mbps has been made available under the scheme. 3 Ireland said speeds of up to 40Mbps would be available by the end of 2011. Some 170 jobs have been created as a result.
The development will see broadband access open to residents and business in 112 electoral divisions in Mayo, 111 in Galway, 96 in Cork and 85 in Kerry.
Some €44 million of funding was provided by the Exchequer and €36 million came from the European Union Regional Development Fund 2007-2013. 3 Ireland is providing the remainder.
Mr Ryan said he would announce a new Rural Broadband Scheme in the New Year which would provide broadband access to the remaining homes.
A recent OECD survey said Ireland had 20.3 fixed-line broadband connections per 100 inhabitants at the end of June 2010, compared to 21.3 in June 2009. This compares to an average of 24.2 for the 31 countries surveyed by the OECD and 37.8 for the Netherlands, the top-ranked nation.
Further information about the scheme is available from www.dcenr.gov.ie
