The plan is to enhance the resilience of public services such as schools, healthcare clinics and Garda stations in remote and island communities.

Eir Evo, a telecommunications and ICT solutions provider that is part of the Eir Group, has been awarded a seven-year contract by the Irish Government, to deliver critical satellite connectivity to some of the country’s most isolated regions. As part of the agreement, Eir Evo has partnered with Eutelsat to deliver the satellite services.

Overseen by the office of the Government chief information officer (OGCIO), the project will initially deliver satellite connectivity at 21 sites, with the potential to scale to 300 locations.

The aim is to improve the resilience of public services in more remote areas, for example schools, healthcare clinics and Garda stations, during emergencies. This would ensure that they retain internet access despite climate-related disruptions such as Storm Éowyn, which left more than 750,000 people without power and caused more than €200m worth of damage. 

Inishturk, an island off Co Mayo, will be among the first locations to see the project rolled out, with satellites providing critical backup to terrestrial telecoms where traditional infrastructure is temporarily damaged, vulnerable or unavailable.

Eir Evo’s satellite system operates independently of terrestrial infrastructure meaning emergency services and healthcare teams can stay in touch with communities via satellite connectivity. 

Susan Brady, the managing director of Eir Evo, said, “Storm Éowyn 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 as 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. 

“Through our strategic partnership with Eutelsat, we’re bringing world-class satellite technology to even the most isolated areas of Ireland. This isn’t just a technical upgrade, it’s a lifeline for healthcare teams, emergency responders and residents.” 

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