Vodafone data reveals 22,000 commuters leave Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford every day to work in the capital
20 March 2019
- Data announced as Vodafone and SIRO expand the Gigabit Hubs Initiative to three remote working hubs in the South East, bringing the total to 13 co-working hubs across Ireland
- The expansion will see high-speed Gigabit connectivity offered to more than 350 workers in the New Work Junction hubs in Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford
- New Work Junction has today launched its new co-working space in Carlow with imminent plans to open *the *Wexford hub in the coming weeks
20th March 2019: Vodafone Ireland has today released data that shows 22,200 people commute to Dublin from Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford each day at the launch of three new SIRO-powered Gigabit hubs in the South East.
Using insights gained from the combined Vodafone network performance data and CSO population data analytics, the information provides a clear understanding of the commuter trends along the M7, M9 and M11 and the sheer scale of people commuting to Dublin.
New Work Junction hubs in Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford are the latest to receive free SIRO powered fibre Gigabit connectivity, provided by Vodafone and offered to 13 co-working hubs across the country. By providing high-speed connectivity to hubs in regional towns, the initiative supports local businesses and workers who want to work remotely.
Since the launch of the Kilkenny hub in 2015, New Work Junction – a group of co-working centres – has expanded its operations to include Carlow, officially opened today at a special event with Treasa Doran, Vodafone Ireland, Ronan Whelan, SIRO, Vanessa Tierney, Abodoo, Tracy Keogh, Grow Remote and two remote workers speaking.
Launched in 2017, the Vodafone/ SIRO Gigabit Hub Initiative was designed to spark a digital transformation in 15 towns across Ireland and encourage job creation and economic growth. SIRO’s 100% fibre-optic Gigabit connectivity, which is three times as powerful as the best service in Dublin and 10 times more powerful than the fastest average internet speed in Ireland, gives businesses in the three hubs world-class broadband connectivity.
Speaking at the event, Head of Commercial at Vodafone Business Ireland Treasa Doran, said: “We are delighted to provide free Gigabit connectivity to three more co-working hubs and see the expansion of our initiative to 13. This initiative is allowing people to work smarter, have a better work/life balance and pursue careers in towns and villages across Ireland. Through our commitment to improve rural connectivity by bringing high-speed broadband to hubs such as New Work Junction, we can try reverse commuting and urban migration trends and help increase productivity by allowing people to work closer to home and spend less time on the road”.
The Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen, which was the first hub connected by SIRO in July 2016, is an ‘exemplar project’ that has been recognised by the European Commission and is on course to create 500 jobs over the next five years in West Cork.”
Ronan Whelan, Chief Commercial Officer in SIRO added: “By delivering Gigabit connectivity to these three hubs, we have made remote working a real option for 350 people. This highlights the real difference that 100% fibre-optic broadband can make to people’s lives by saving commuters from sitting in traffic. The rise in hubs like New Work Junction clearly illustrates the huge demand in regional towns for connectivity and thanks to our network Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford have the same level of world-class broadband as leading international hubs like Hong Kong and Tokyo. It forms part of our rollout in the South East, with Gigabit connectivity available to over 23,000 premises in the region to date.”
Founder of New Work Junction Tom O’Neill said: “Since I started the New Work Junction hubs in 2015, I’ve noticed that we have a steady number of start-ups and freelancers, but also an ever increasing number of remote workers. I see these remote working hubs as a chance to reduce travel time for the thousands of commuters who make the trip to Dublin from the South East every day”.
“We’re keen to be fully engaged in this conversation and appreciate the support of organisations such as Vodafone and SIRO in ensuring we have the high-speed connectivity we need to attract people to our hubs. Together, and with other organisations, we can begin to catalyse the big change that needs to happen towards a re-distributed workforce.”
One such company benefiting from the SIRO 1 GB connection is Bórd na Móna. Speaking about New Work Junction, employee Pat Considine said: “It has been a huge benefit to me overall, not just in terms of saving a two hour commute. I find I get more work done as there are less interruptions and distractions and there is a good work environment and atmosphere with everyone who works there.”
ENDS
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For further information, contact:
SIRO Vodafone
Piaras Kelly Paul Griffin
Edelman ReputationInc
016789333 014120517
0868131691 0876674305
siro@edelman.com
pgriffin@reputation-inc.com
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Notes to editors
The Vodafone network data, which was captured for network improvement purposes, was gathered anonymously, processed and deleted, so only aggregated metadata remains to show the volume of motorway users. This data is not stored in any additional locations or shared with any third parties. Note this is also based on CSO census data from 2011, 2016 with a trended yearly increase to bring it up to 2019.
Daily commuters to Dublin from each location:
- Carlow Commuters - Approx: 5,100
- Kilkenny Commuters - Approx: 6,300
- Wexford Commuter - Approx: 10,800
About Vodafone Ireland:
Vodafone is Ireland's leading total communications provider with 2.3 million customers and employs over 2,000 people directly and indirectly in Ireland.
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Vodafone provides a total range of communications solutions including voice, messaging, data and fixed communications to consumers and to small, medium and large businesses. Since 2011, Vodafone has expanded its enterprise division, offering integrated next-generation fixed and mobile solutions in addition to cloud-based platforms, machine to machine services and professional ICT support.
Vodafone Group is one of the world's leading international mobile communications groups with mobile operations in 26 countries, partners with mobile networks in 49 more, and fixed broadband operations in 17 markets. For more information, please visit www.vodafone.ie
About SIRO:
Launched in May 2015, SIRO is a joint venture of ESB and Vodafone which is investing €450 million in building Ireland’s first 100% Fibre-to-the-Building broadband network, offering a 1 GB (1000 Mb) internet connection to 500,000 premises in fifty regional towns. SIRO will revolutionise Ireland’s broadband market with technology which is the first of its kind in Ireland. Using ESB’s existing infrastructure, SIRO’s unique network will be available to all broadband service providers in the country and will address the digital divide between towns and cities.
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About New Work Junction
New Work Junction’s four co-working hubs host remote workers, freelancers, start-ups and SMEs. Features include Gigabit broadband, good value hot-desks or fixed space with shared meeting rooms, kitchen and common areas provided. Members also get roaming access to facilities in the other NWJ offices. New Work Junction locations: “Tower Building”, First Floor, Castlegate, Kennedy St., Carlow, New Work Junction, “Old AIB Building”, Dublin Road, Kilkenny, New Work Junction, 11 Wynnefield Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6 and “Clonard Village”, Wexford Town will be opening in the coming weeks.
