New insights on digital trends in the Royal County

New county‑level insights show that Meath is experiencing significant growth in digital connectivity and data usage, driven by rising demand for high‑speed broadband, increased mobile data consumption, and sustained investment in next‑generation networks. eir, Ireland’s leading telecommunications provider, published its first Digital Ireland Report on 5th February 2026.

The 2026 report tracks Ireland’s progress through the first half of the Digital Decade (2019–2025) and highlights how people, businesses and communities in Meath are embracing digital services at scale.

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 highspeed 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 seven-fold over the same period.

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, said: “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.