OGCIO, eir evo launch satellite partnership to safeguard remote communities
Eir evo has signed a seven-year contract with Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) to deliver satellite connectivity to remote and island communities.
The initiative – initially serving 21 sites, with the potential to scale to 300 locations – is designed to enhance the resilience of public services, particularly in response to significant climate-related disruptions such as Storm Eowyn.
Deployment will begin with island locations including Inishturk, where the OGCIO and healthcare teams are already engaged in rollout planning. The satellite network will serve as a critical backup to terrestrial telecoms, supporting emergency services, healthcare continuity and local hubs in areas where traditional infrastructure is vulnerable or unavailable.
As part of the agreement, eir evo has partnered with Eutelsat to deliver satellite services to the Irish Government. The OGCIO contract ensures that eir evo is the channel for delivering Eutelsat satellite services to government entities in Ireland.
The announcement was made today at the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore.
Susan Brady, managing director of eir evo, said: “Storm Eowyn was a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by our remote communities. At eir evo, we believe connectivity is not just about access, it’s about resilience, continuity and safety. Securing the OGCIO Satellite Connectivity partnership is a proud moment for us. It reflects our commitment to building infrastructure that can withstand the challenges of climate change and support critical public services when they’re needed most.”
Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitalisation Jack Chambers added: “I think it is particularly appropriate that we are making this announcement here at the National Ploughing Championships, which of course is not just a celebration of rural life and culture in Ireland but also an opportunity to explore the latest innovations that are already transforming the industry and will continue to support the future of agriculture.
“Initiatives such as the high-speed network and satellite services and the new data centre in Backweston, will help us transform our public services by ensuring they have the modern infrastructure they need to work securely and reliably, no matter where people live or what challenges arise.
“The new National Low Latency Platform is a secure, high-speed network connecting government bodies across Ireland and is now fully operational. Funded through the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the network stretches from Westport to Waterford, and Cork to Dundalk, helping public services work faster and more reliably.”
Brady continued: “Through our strategic partnership with Eutelsat, we’re bringing world-class satellite technology to Ireland, ensuring that even the most isolated areas have robust, low-latency connectivity. This isn’t just a technical upgrade, it’s a lifeline for healthcare teams, emergency responders and residents. We’re honoured to play a role in safeguarding Ireland’s future, one resilient connection at a time.”
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