Connectivity is a defining feature of modern economies as global communities, economies and countries become closely linked.

Dublin is Ireland’s capital city and is closely connected to the rest of the island by road and rail. Its air, sea and digital links also guarantee excellent connectivity with the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Then, in terms of global connectivity, its strong digital infrastructure keeps businesses connected to their staff and customers around the world too.

The city’s exceptional connectivity is just one of many reasons to consider investing in Dublin.

Digital Connectivity

Huawei’s most recent Global Connectivity Index ranked Ireland as a frontrunner in digital connectivity. Based on ICT investment and maturity, it came 18th – just behind Canada and among the best countries in Europe.

Dublin benefits from one of Europe’s most advanced and competitive telecommunications infrastructures. An extensive fibre optic network provides world-class national and international connectivity. The Irish telecommunications market is fully deregulated and a number of companies operate within it, including Eir, ESB telecoms and Virgin Media.

Mobile networks in Dublin

A mixture of 4G and 5G mobile networks are available in Dublin. Three mobile providers operate their own networks in the market: Vodafone, Eir Mobile and Three Ireland. These providers also lease wireless telephone and data spectrum to a number of virtual network operators, including 48, Lycamobile, An Post Mobile, GoMo, Clear Mobile, Tesco Mobile and Virgin Media. A nationwide coverage map is available here.

A transport hub

Dublin Airport

Dublin is home to Ireland’s busiest airport, which is easily accessible by road from the city centre. In 2019, Dublin Airport was one of the top 20 in Europe for both direct and hub connectivity.

It’s unclear whether the Covid-19 pandemic will impact flights long-term. But 46 airlines continue to connect the city to over 180 destinations in 40 countries across four continents. In the process, it handles around 30 million passengers in a normal year.

The US Pre-Clearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon Airport in Clare are the only ones of their kind in Europe. It makes travel to the USA as stress-free and straightforward as possible.

Journey times across the Atlantic start at around 7 hours. While flights to the likes of Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Berlin and Luxembourg take two hours or less. Flights to British destinations are even shorter.

Dublin Port

Dublin’s deep-water port is a modern and sophisticated facility that caters for freight, ferry and cruise traffic. Just minutes from the city centre, it is quickly and easily accessible by road and public transport.

Its main activity is freight handling and 82% of the port’s volumes are in Ro-Ro trailers or Lo-Lo containers. In 2020, 36.9 million tonnes of cargo went through Dublin Port. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, this was just 3.4% behind 2019 figures. However, volumes are fluctuating because of the impact of Brexit.

Prior to 2020, the port’s volumes grew at an extraordinary rate. In fact, they increased by more than a third over just six years. While growth has slowed for now, a 20-year development plan is in place to increase its capacity and prepare for a return to future growth.

Roads

The implementation of the government’s ‘Transport 21’ strategy saw a rapid improvement in Ireland’s road and motorway network. This strengthened Ireland’s national and international connectivity for motorists and freight traffic, promoting sustainable national economic and employment growth.

Rail network

Irish Rail is Ireland’s rail network and has the youngest intercity fleet in Europe. This comes as a result of significant investments in rolling stock. This is complemented by infrastructural improvements too. As a result, service capacity and reliability have radically improved.