Communications and Digital

In the area of communications, the government's goal is to provide a world class communications network with high quality services, supporting connected communities and enabling citizens to embrace digital opportunities, in a safe environment.

The government supports economic growth, jobs, competitiveness and social inclusion through a range of policies and regulation designed to facilitate a more digitally connected economy and society. It is focused on ensuring the availability of high quality broadband to every premises in Ireland, balanced regulation to foster investment and innovation, as well as protecting and empowering individuals, communities and businesses in their use of digital technologies.

Government policies and regulations in this area are centred on achieving the following objectives:

• universal access to high speed broadband
• better connected communities
• strengthened cyber security
• enhanced engagement with younger audiences

Ireland’s international and national digital connectivity is vitally important to maintaining and enhancing our competitiveness in global markets and in the knowledge and information economy.

The term 'broadband' refers to internet access. Broadband connectivity is important for growth, innovation and social cohesion.

Today over 7 in 10 premises have access to high speed broadband from commercial operators. There are approximately 540,000 premises where operators will not provide this essential service.

These are located in the State intervention area. The government has appointed National Broadband Ireland to build, maintain and operate a future proofed high speed broadband network in the State intervention area over a 25 year period.

Read more about Broadband

The term 'cyber security' refers to the body of technologies, processes, and practices designed to protect networks, devices, programmes, and data from attack, damage, or unauthorised access. It covers all of the measures designed to protect our IT systems and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data services. The government works to reduce the risks to internet infrastructure and services to maintain a resilient, secure and trustworthy online environment that people and businesses can rely upon for social and economic interaction.

Read more about Cyber Security

The first phase of the National Digital Strategy was launched in July 2013. This strategy focuses on digital engagement and how Ireland can reap the rewards of a digitally enabled society. The government is now developing a new National Digital Strategy. This is in response to technological change over the past six years, and any opportunities or challenges it presents.

The Digital Single Market strategy is a flagship initiative of the Europe 2020 strategy. It aims to create opportunities for people and business in the digital economy.

Read more about Digital Inclusion

Eircode is Ireland’s national postcode system. It gives a unique code to each residential and business address in Ireland, which pinpoints the location of the property. Over 35% of addresses in Ireland share their address with at least one other property. Eircode was designed specifically to overcome this problem.

Read more about Eircode

The Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS) is responsible for 112 and 999 calls and texts, providing a vital link between the caller and the Emergency Services (Garda, Fire, Ambulance and the Coast Guard).

ECAS is a Stage 1 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). Its role is to establish the Emergency Service being requested by a caller and the location of the caller or incident for the purpose of routing the call to the most appropriate Emergency Services centre.

The Communications Regulation (Amendment) Act 2007 provides for the establishment and operation of the ECAS and enables the Minister to enter a contract with an entity to provide the service. BT Communications Ireland Limited (BTCIL) currently holds the contract to operate the service.

In 2023 the ECAS handled over 2.4 million calls, with volumes in 2024 expected to be approximately the same.

The performance of the ECAS Operator is reviewed annually in accordance with the ECAS concession agreement.

Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS) Annual Reviews

Postal services are critical to ensure the people of Ireland are connected and that businesses can operate effectively. The government plays an important role in ensuring that postal services are competitive and efficient.

Read more about Postal Communications