Aurora Telecom
Aurora Telecom is Ireland's leading backhaul dark fibre service provider. We own and operate an extensive national network which extends across 15 counties, in a ring topology, linking all major cities and key urban centres along the route.
As a carrier-neutral, open access dark fibre network, we provide secure, scalable and high-speed solutions for telecommunications carriers, corporate organisations and government services.
Our 1200km network is the most modern and lowest latency in Ireland delivering superior performance and demonstrating true resilience. It has been constructed using the latest fibre optic technology. By continuing to invest in our network we are playing our part in further enhancing Ireland's connectivity and regional reach to enable economic and social progression.
Aurora Telecom is a division of Gas Networks Ireland, a state-owned company. Together, Aurora Telecom and Gas Networks Ireland manage and maintain two of Ireland's strategic national resources - telecoms and gas infrastructure. Aurora Telecom's network is laid adjacent to the (underground) national natural gas network. Regular aerial and on-the-ground surveillance ensures the highest levels of security and operational continuity.
Learn more about Aurora TelecomGalway-Mayo Telecoms Duct
During the planning of the Galway-Mayo Gas pipeline by Gas Networks Ireland (formerly Bord Gais Éireann) in 2005, the then Department of Communications Marine & Natural Resources decided to fund the installation of a telecommunications duct alongside the new gas pipeline.
The pipeline and ducting were installed between Ballymoneen in County Galway and the new gas terminal constructed in Bellanaboy County Mayo with a spur into Castlebar and Westport. Construction took place between 2006 and 2008.
The building of the gas pipeline provided a unique opportunity to build a new underground telecommunication backhaul infrastructure at marginal cost which in turn could provide broadband connectivity to parts of County Galway and County Mayo. Ownership of the telecommunications duct remains with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. Shell Exploration and Production Ireland Limited (SEPIL) funded the cost of the installation of the fibre optic cable in the duct for the benefit of the Minister.
The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications is currently in the process of procuring a Management Services Entity (MSE) to manage, operate and market the infrastructure. Pending the appointment of the MSE, the Minister has entered into an interim agreement with Gas Networks Ireland to provide limited dark fibre services to customers between Bellanaboy (Co. Mayo) and Ballymoneen (Co. Galway). Further queries regarding obtaining access to dark fibre may be addressed to Gas Networks Ireland at:
Emer Walsh | Head of Legal Services
Gas Networks Ireland
P.O. Box 51, Gasworks Road, Cork, T12RX96, Ireland
Telephone +353 (1) 872901968
E-Mail: emer.walsh@gasnetworks.ie