Ireland Surges Ahead in Digital Transformation: New eir research

eir, Ireland’s leading telecommunications provider, today published its Digital Ireland Report, a landmark nationwide study that shows Ireland has become one of the most digitally connected societies in Europe, powered by record investment in fibre and 5G, and an unprecedented surge in data usage.

The report tracks Ireland’s progress through the first half of the Digital Decade (2019–2025) and finds that demand for connectivity has grown dramatically as digital services become central to daily life, work and business.

Overall traffic on eir’s broadband network has more than doubled since 2019, driven by the rollout of 1GB fibre and explosive growth in data-hungry apps and services. Average household usage on high-speed fibre has risen by 61% in five years, from the equivalent of 6.2 hours to almost 10 hours of HD video per day, while data carried on eir’s mobile network has grown sevenfold over the same period.

Highlights of the report include:

—  Consumer use: Major social and sporting events have become powerful barometers of Ireland’s ‘always-on’ digital habits (for example, data usage at Electric Picnic on eir’s mobile network has grown sixfold since 2022). In parallel, traditional fixed-line calling has continued to decline, with minutes falling by 57% since late 2021, even as mobile voice use remains broadly stable.

—  Regional: Counties such as Cavan, Meath and Offaly are leading a nationwide surge in data consumption, with average monthly usage up nearly 80% since 2019.

Top and bottom counties for household data usage (2024):

Highest: Kildare – 7,800 GB per household
Lowest: Sligo – 5,800 GB per household

—  Online: The report also confirms Ireland’s position as a European leader in digital skills and online participation: more than seven in ten people now have basic or better digital skills. Ecommerce continues at pace – almost all internet users shopped online in 2024.

—  Business: There is a growing digital divide in enterprises, with a slowing in digital intensification amongst SMEs, and evidence pointing to a low rate of take-up amongst smaller businesses in high-speed data capability.

—  Older people: Older customers are less likely to have availed of high-speed broadband service and are twice as likely to rely on older and slower copper lines compared with younger customers.

—  Future needs: The report highlights the expectation that the data traffic volumes will continue to grow at a high rate for the remainder of the decade, driven by AI transformation, the Internet of Things, and other digital megatrends.

The report emphasises the need for digital and related policies to evolve at both an EU and national level to keep pace with the digital transformation and promote the ongoing investment and take-up of digital technology and infrastructure.

Oliver Loomes, CEO of eir, said: “At eir, our purpose is to connect for a better Ireland. The findings of our Digital Ireland Report show that, thanks to sustained investment and collaboration, Ireland has undergone a remarkable transformation in digital infrastructure and usage.

This report shows that Ireland’s Digital Decade is real and measurable – in the way we work, learn, do business and come together at our favourite festivals and matches. Data use has exploded, powered by our investment in fibre and 5G, and Ireland now has the opportunity to be one of the most connected, competitive and inclusive digital societies in the world.”

He added: “Connectivity also has to mean inclusion; more work is needed in the coming years to ensure all people and businesses can participate in Ireland’s Digital Decade. As Ireland’s leading connectivity provider, eir is committed to continuing our multibillion-euro investment in fibre and 5G, and to working with Government and partners so that every home, every business and every community can thrive in a truly digital Ireland”.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation:

“I welcome the publication of this insightful research, which underscores how Irish homes, businesses and communities are embracing the digital revolution. Ireland has a number of unique strengths and advantages, including our highly skilled workforce, which provides us with major economic and social opportunities to transform our society through technological investment.

As Minister with responsibility for infrastructure development and digitalisation, I understand digital infrastructure is the backbone for so much innovation, connectivity, and growth in our economy and will play a pivotal role in honing Ireland’s competitive business environment in the coming period.

The €275bn National Development Plan places a specific focus on the key growth-enabling sectors of our economy, and combined with the reforms we are making to accelerate infrastructure delivery, this approach can transform our economy and increase jobs, create opportunities and drive prosperity for our people and our country.”

The full eir Digital Ireland Report is available here: eir Digital Ireland report.