Dublin — 5 December 2025 — Ireland has secured €35 million in European Union funding to accelerate the rollout of next‑generation digital infrastructure, marking a significant boost to national connectivity and technological capacity. The investment, awarded under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), will support high‑performance networks, 5G transport‑corridor pilots and Smart Community initiatives across the country.
The CEF is one of the EU’s flagship instruments for strengthening economic competitiveness through targeted infrastructure investment, with a focus on digital, transport and energy networks.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan welcomed the announcement, praising Irish organisations for their success in securing competitive European funding. He said the projects would “strengthen Ireland’s international links, support innovation, and ensure that communities and businesses across Ireland benefit from world‑class digital infrastructure.”
Key Projects Funded
Emerald Motorway Corridor — Vantage Towers Ireland (€3.54m)
The project will develop a high‑speed 5G corridor from the Northern Ireland border to Rosslare Europort, enabling uninterrupted data coverage along a major transport route. Vantage Towers Ireland, working with Three Ireland and Wings, said the corridor will support future automotive and logistics technologies.
5G Scalable Hubs — Atlantic Technological University (€12.28m)
Atlantic Technological University will establish a virtual digital lab to enhance training for students and apprentices, particularly in rural regions. The initiative aims to modernise skills development in engineering, design and trades, while strengthening ATU’s role in leading major EU‑funded digital projects.
PISCES Subsea Cable System Phase 3 — McMahon Design & Management (€18.93m)
The largest allocation will advance Phase 3 of the PISCES subsea cable system, a high‑capacity digital link connecting Ireland directly to Portugal, Spain and France. The system includes a 2,131 km trunk from Sines to Galway, an 840 km branch to Bilbao, and a reserved branch to Saint‑Hilaire‑de‑Riez.
The funding will support engineering, route development and preparatory works, enhancing the resilience of trans‑European digital infrastructure.
Strengthening Ireland’s Digital Future
The combined investments are expected to reinforce Ireland’s position as a leader in digital innovation, expand high‑speed connectivity nationwide and support the country’s long‑term economic competitiveness. Officials say the projects will also help future‑proof Ireland’s digital backbone as demand for data capacity, 5G services and secure international links continues to grow.
Minister-for-Culture-Communications-and-Sport-Patrick-ODonovan-TD
