eir launches first Economic and Social Impact Report 2024

eir, Ireland’s leading telecommunications provider, has today released its first ever comprehensive Economic and Social Impact Report, which highlights that the company has invested almost €1.7 billion in telecommunications infrastructure in the last six years, supporting Ireland to become one of the most digitally connected countries in Europe. 

eir has also announced a further €500 million investment to expand its fibre network across Ireland, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing nationwide connectivity.

The report has found that eir plays a pivotal role in advancing digital inclusion across Ireland, supporting €172 billion in digital economic activity with its expansive network. eir's continued investments, in tandem with the Government’s National Broadband Plan, aim to ensure that by the end of 2028, every home and business in Ireland - covering over 2.4 million premises - will have access to high-speed gigabit broadband. This effort promises to bring transformative connectivity to communities nationwide, empowering Ireland’s digital future.

Key findings from the Report:

• eir has invested €1.664 billion in Ireland since 2018, supporting substantial infrastructure development.
• In 2023, eir’s capital expenditure was €288 million, consistent with previous years.
• eir employs 3,170 people directly across Ireland, creating approximately 4,755 indirect and induced jobs nationwide.
• eir’s broadband infrastructure underpins €172 billion in Ireland's economic activity, essential to the country's digital economy.
• eir’s investments help Ireland rank among the top five EU countries in the Digital Economy and Society Index.

eir aims to provide gigabit fibre connectivity to 1.9 million homes and businesses throughout Ireland. To date, this network is already available to more than 1.3 million premises, with almost 500,000 homes and businesses now connected.

Speaking at today’s launch, Oliver Loomes, CEO of eir, said “A digitally inclusive economy and society are crucial for Ireland’s future. With an additional €500 million committed investment in our communications infrastructure, eir is committed to strengthening this foundation. This report not only highlights our direct contributions to the Irish economy through employment and investment but also our broader impact in enabling the digital economy. Our extensive network infrastructure is essential to Ireland’s digital transformation, supporting both EU and national strategies that prioritise digitalisation for societal, economic, and environmental advancement. eir’s infrastructure underpins €172 billion in economic activity across Ireland."

Also speaking at the launch of the report, Associate Professor Emeritus of Economics, Anthony Foley, of Dublin City University Business School, and author of the Report, “What we have found in conducting this research is that a cutting-edge digital network infrastructure is the foundation of a flourishing digital economy and society. The globalisation and FDI aspects of the Irish economy mean that broadband infrastructure and services, and international digital connectivity are significant competitiveness issues. Ireland is a very open economy. There is a continuing need to match, and ideally exceed, international broadband capability.” 

The Report also underscores eir’s commitment to sustainability, with the rollout of a full-fibre network to 84% of Irish homes and businesses playing a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and improving network resilience against climate-related storms. 

Through ongoing infrastructure investments, a focus on sustainability, and promoting digital inclusion, eir is shaping Ireland's digital future and eir's further €500 million network investment will fuel innovation, enhance connectivity, and create new opportunities for businesses and communities across the country.

Further Key findings from the Report:

• eir directly employs 3,170 people across Ireland and is a significant employer from a regional perspective; indirect employment figures are approx. 4,755 and locations outside of Dublin include Cork, Sligo and Limerick. eir also provides higher than average wages - hourly earnings in eir in 2023 were €27.92, 8% above the overall national private sector hourly earnings.
• eir is a major contributor to the Irish economy, with capital expenditure €288 million in 2023, €286 million in 2022 and €274 million in 2021; and generated total tax revenues for the exchequer and local authorities of €299.3m in 2023.
• eir is a substantial investor across Ireland, and over the past six years has invested €1.664 billion.
• eir is a huge supporter of regional and local businesses across Ireland, and in the period 2020 to 2023, eir made payments to 2028 suppliers across Ireland, as well as investing in every county in Ireland.
• Ireland’s digital economy relies heavily on the internet and broadband infrastructure provided by telecommunications companies like eir. In 2023, digitally transacted output, whether ordered, delivered, or both, was estimated at €381 billion, accounting for 40% of the nation’s total goods and services’ lines and supporting an estimated 45% of the broadband market overall (including both fixed and mobile broadband). eir’s infrastructure is linked to €172 billion in economic activity. 
• The Report highlights the importance of eir in supporting a digitally inclusive society, not least through the provision of crucial telecommunications and IT solutions to key government departments, the health, transport, and education sectors, as well as blue light services through its eir evo division. 
• The Report notes that Ireland ranks among the top five EU countries in the Digital Economy and Society Index, with eir’s investments playing a pivotal role in achieving this high ranking. The country leads the EU in SME e-commerce turnover, and eir’s broadband services have been integral to the growth of online businesses, particularly for small and medium enterprises