Third Donegal island subject to planning of National Broadband Plan
Application submitted to Donegal County Council for installation at Inishbofin Island
Planning permission is being sought to connect Inishbofin Island to the National Broadband Ireland (NBI) National Fibre Network as part of the “largest telecommunications project ever undertaken by the Irish State.”
Inishbofin Island, located off Falcarragh, is the third Donegal island to be included in the NBI National Fibre Network plan, after Owey Island and Arranmore Island.
The NBI Infrastructure Designated Activity Company has applied to Donegal County Council for the installation on Inishbofin Island, at Meenacladdy Lower, of a telecommunications structure comprising a 12-metre high timber monopole supporting two dishes, along with associated site works and ancillary development works.
A rationale included in the development details stated: “The development is required to carry the broadband data from the new high-speed fibre broadband network on the island to the mainland by radio link, to connect to the NBI National Fibre Network, as part of the Government’s National Broadband Plan to provide high-speed broadband to all parts of the country that are not available commercially, including the islands, at the same data speed.”
National Broadband Ireland said that their plan is completed nationally, “residents and businesses in the rollout area will be able to connect to a modern, reliable broadband network capable of supporting the communications, information, education, and entertainment needs of current and future generations.”
Donegal County Council has set a decision due date for the application for August 23.