Dark fibre network
Aurora Telecom, a division of Gas Networks Ireland, provides secure and scalable telecommunications solutions through our open-access dark fibre network. Aurora Telecom has established itself as Ireland’s carrier-neutral provider of choice, serving the top five global content providers, hyperscale operators, subsea carriers and government agencies. Its 1,600km backhaul fibre network is built adjacent to the national gas network. Regular aerial and on-the-ground surveillance ensures the highest levels of security and operational continuity.
Aurora Telecom’s metro networks in Dublin, Ennis, and Shannon offer critical connectivity for data centres and transatlantic backhaul services, providing the best-in-class latency and optical performance. In 2023, Aurora Telecom played a pivotal role in advancing Ireland’s connectivity, enhancing its dual feed connectivity to subsea cable systems such as the IRIS subsea cable, connecting Galway to Iceland. Additionally, it became the sole interconnection provider for this cable landing station, further supporting Ireland’s position as a global data hub.
By continuing to invest in its networks, Aurora Telecom is playing its part in further enhancing Ireland's connectivity and enabling economic and social progression of regional clusters outside of Dublin.
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Galway-Mayo Telecoms Duct
During the planning of the Galway-Mayo Gas pipeline by Gas Networks Ireland (formerly Bord Gais Éireann) in 2005, the then Department of Communications Marine & Natural Resources decided to fund the installation of a telecommunications duct alongside the new gas pipeline.
The pipeline and ducting were installed between Ballymoneen in County Galway and the new gas terminal constructed in Bellanaboy County Mayo with a spur into Castlebar and Westport. Construction took place between 2006 and 2008.
The building of the gas pipeline provided a unique opportunity to build a new underground telecommunication backhaul infrastructure at marginal cost which in turn could provide broadband connectivity to parts of County Galway and County Mayo. Ownership of the telecommunications duct remains with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. Shell Exploration and Production Ireland Limited (SEPIL) funded the cost of the installation of the fibre optic cable in the duct for the benefit of the Minister.
The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications is currently in the process of procuring a Management Services Entity (MSE) to manage, operate and market the infrastructure. Pending the appointment of the MSE, the Minister has entered into an interim agreement with Gas Networks Ireland to provide limited dark fibre services to customers between Bellanaboy (Co. Mayo) and Ballymoneen (Co. Galway). Further queries regarding obtaining access to dark fibre may be addressed to Gas Networks Ireland at:
Emer Walsh | Head of Legal Services
Gas Networks Ireland
P.O. Box 51, Gasworks Road, Cork, T12RX96, Ireland
Telephone +353 (1) 872901968
E-Mail: emer.walsh@gasnetworks.ie
Superior performance and security
Aurora Telecom has established itself as Ireland’s carrier neutral provider of choice, serving the top five global content providers, hyperscale operators, subsea carriers and government agencies. Its 1,600km backhaul fibre network is built adjacent to the national gas network. Regular aerial and on-the-ground surveillance ensures the highest levels of security and operational continuity.
National and metro networks
Aurora Telecom’s metro networks in Dublin, Ennis, and Shannon offer critical connectivity for datacentres and transatlantic backhaul services, providing the best-in-class latency and optical performance.
Subsea cable systems
Subsea cables provide the vital network that allows data travel around the globe. Aurora Telecom provides the advanced terrestrial network that interconnects with key submarine landing points including IRIS, AEC1, AEC2 (Havfrue), Havhingsten and Celtic Connex.
Co-location services
Our co-location facilities have been built to provide customers with as complete a service as possible. They offer a point of presence to major towns and in line amplification for backhaul services.
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Contact us
Aurora Telecom endeavours to provide a high quality service for all our customers. Should you have any questions or comments please fill out the form on our website and we will revert to you as soon as possible.
If you need to contact Aurora Telecom in relation to emergency maintenance, please call us on 1800 427 399. International callers can reach us on +353 (0) 203 0120.