Ireland Surges Ahead in Digital Transformation: New Eir Research

Why It Matters

The findings confirm Ireland’s rapid digital adoption, positioning it for competitive economic growth while exposing gaps that could hinder inclusive prosperity if unaddressed.

Key Takeaways

• Broadband traffic doubled since 2019, driven by 1 Gbps fibre.
• Household fibre usage up 61%, now ~10 hours HD video daily.
• Mobile data volume grew sevenfold over five years.
• Cavan, Meath, Offaly lead with 80% usage increase.
• SMEs lag in high‑speed data adoption, widening digital divide.

Pulse Analysis

Ireland’s digital landscape is undergoing a historic shift, propelled by eir’s aggressive rollout of 1 Gbps fibre and 5G infrastructure. The latest Digital Ireland Report quantifies this momentum: broadband traffic has more than doubled, and average household consumption now approaches ten hours of HD video per day. Such usage spikes reflect broader European trends, yet Ireland’s per‑household data volumes rank among the highest on the continent, underscoring the country’s readiness for data‑intensive services like cloud computing and streaming.

For businesses, the surge presents both opportunity and challenge. While e‑commerce penetration is near universal and digital skills are strong—over 70% of citizens possess basic proficiency—SMEs are falling behind in adopting high‑speed connectivity, creating a digital divide that could limit productivity gains. Regional disparities are evident, with counties like Cavan, Meath and Offaly outpacing others, and older consumers still reliant on legacy copper lines. Addressing these gaps will be crucial for maintaining Ireland’s competitive edge and ensuring that the benefits of connectivity are broadly shared across the economy.

Looking ahead, eir projects continued exponential growth in data traffic, driven by AI, the Internet of Things, and other emerging technologies. The report calls for coordinated policy action at both EU and national levels to sustain investment and promote inclusive adoption. With the €275 billion National Development Plan earmarking funds for digital infrastructure, Ireland is poised to cement its status as a leading digital economy, provided it balances rapid expansion with targeted support for underserved sectors and demographics.