District to get share in £15m broadband service for province

15 May 2019

CO Down is to share in a £15m investment package to boost the province’s broadband infrastructure.

The funding comes from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport through its Local Full Fibre Networks Programme.

In June last year Northern Ireland councils came together to form the Full Fibre Northern Ireland Consortium.

The consortium, which is hosted by Newry, Mourne and Down Council and comprises the ten councils outside of Belfast, has obtained the funding which will be used to deliver full fibre to approximately 880 public sector sites by March 2021.

The project will enable councils to significantly develop their ability to deliver services and improve access for communities and residents. It is hoped that this will be the first of many such investments over the next few years.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman Mark Murnin commented: “I am delighted that the FFNI Consortium has secured additional funding from DCMS to support the enhancement of digital infrastructure across Northern Ireland.

“Investing in connectivity is essential for economic growth and prosperity and will help to further establish both Newry, Mourne and Down and all of Northern Ireland as a digital destination for investment, jobs and business

infrastructure.

“This is an excellent example of local councils working together for the benefit of the whole region.”

Currently only 12% of premises in Northern Ireland have access to full fibre connectivity and in rural areas the figure is much lower.

With responsibility for promoting economic development, and local knowledge, the councils within the FFNI Consortium are well positioned to drive fibre infrastructure in areas where it is most needed.

Through the FFNI programme the consortium will help to expand the fibre footprint across the region to ensure Northern Ireland has available and affordable connectivity to support future growth and prosperity.

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