The open access network combines high-speed fibre with duct capacity, enabling telecom operators and infrastructure providers to deploy fibre more efficiently or access dark fibre and bandwidth services along the route. It also includes a new ultra-low latency fibre path, designed to support performance-sensitive applications.

The corridor runs from Ballycoolin in Dublin through Athlone to Galway, before extending south via Shannon and Limerick to Cork, linking key regional hubs and digital infrastructure locations. Interconnection points across Dublin, Athlone, Galway, Shannon and Limerick support high-capacity transmission and improved connectivity between urban centres and data centre clusters.

The infrastructure comprises multiple 25/20 subducts along the full route, allowing scalable deployment by multiple operators. Designed for long-distance, high-performance transmission, the network supports optical services with regeneration capability to maintain latency and signal quality.

Operators can access services including long-term duct capacity, low latency fibre, managed bandwidth, wavelength services, quantum security solutions and resilient connectivity options. The route also interconnects with national rail fibre, with a planned Phase 2 extension set to expand coverage across Ireland’s south and east coast.

Phase 1 forms part of Enet’s broader national ring initiative, with total investment expected to reach approximately €100 million. The project supports rising demand driven by cloud services, data centres, subsea connectivity and increasing traffic across Ireland’s telecoms sector.

Peter McCarthy, CEO of Speed Fibre Group, said open access infrastructure will help operators scale more efficiently while enhancing national connectivity.

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