Broadband speeds in the county are to increase and could help Mayo attract more new industries.
The European Commission has granted approval for the provision of fibre broadband in the ducts of the gas pipeline between Galway and Mayo.
Commercial operators will shortly be bidding to provide high-speed fibre broadband to customers in the two counties.
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny said increased broadband speeds should help the business community in Mayo and also attract more new business to the county.
“The requirement of high-speed broadband is necessary across so many sectors, and it offers huge potential to existing employers in online retail, tourism, and larger scale industries throughout the county,” he said.
“This represents a significant boost in attracting new industries to Co Mayo, as a high-speed broadband connection is of serious importance to large industry, and particularly, companies in the high-tech and data industries.” The decision to allow the broadband to run in the gas pipe is also significant for plans by a company called Emerald Networks to bring a transatlantic fibre broadband cable ashore in north Mayo.
This announcement will ensure the cable can be taken from north Mayo and transported across the county.
