Region among the fastest growing for date use
eir’s first Digital Ireland Report shows that data traffic on its fixed and mobile networks has surged nationwide this decade
Cavan and Monaghan among Ireland’s fastest-growing counties in terms of data use, with sharp rises in both mobile and fixed broadband sign up over the past five years, according to new research from telecommunications firm eir.
eir’s first Digital Ireland Report shows that data traffic on its fixed and mobile networks has surged nationwide this decade, but county-level insights highlight particularly strong growth across the north-east.
Mobile users in Cavan consumed an average of 18.01GB per customer per month in 2025, whereas local homes are also using significantly more data year-on-year, with average annual usage rising from 5,400GB in 2022 to 6,100GB in 2023, and reaching 6,600GB in 2024.
This places Cavan well above early-decade usage levels and mirrors a broader shift towards streaming, remote working and cloud-based services.
Cavan is also among a group of counties- alongside Meath and Offaly- leading a nationwide surge in data consumption, with average monthly usage up nearly 80% since 2019.
In Monaghan meanwhile, mobile users consumed an average of 15.88GB per customer per month in 2025, while fibre-connected homes recorded sustained increases in fixed data use.
Average annual fibre usage in Monaghan rose from 5,100GB in 2022 to 5,500GB in 2023, reaching 6,100GB in 2024, underlining growing demand for reliable high-speed broadband across homes and communities in the county.
National picture
The Digital Ireland Report tracks Ireland’s progress from 2019 to 2025, the first half of the EU’s Digital Decade, and shows:
Overall traffic on eir’s broadband network has more than doubled since 2019
Mobile data traffic has increased seven-fold over the same period
Households with fibre connections are now using 60% more data on average than at the beginning of the decade
Average fibre household usage has risen by 61% in five years, equivalent to almost 10 hours of HD video per day
Major social and sporting events are also proving to be powerful indicators of changing digital habits. For example, data usage on eir’s mobile network at Electric Picnic has grown six-fold since 2022.
Meanwhile, traditional fixed-line calling continues to decline, with call minutes falling 57% since late 2021, even as mobile voice usage remains broadly stable.
Challenges remain
Despite strong consumer growth, the report highlights a growing digital divide among enterprises, with slower digital intensification among SMEs and low take-up of high-speed connectivity among smaller businesses.
It also finds that older customers are less likely to avail of high-speed broadband services and are twice as likely as younger users to rely on older copper networks.
Oliver Loomes, CEO of eir, said the findings show Ireland’s digital progress is tangible and measurable:
“The findings of our Digital Ireland Report show that, thanks to sustained investment and collaboration, Ireland has undergone a remarkable transformation in digital infrastructure and usage,” he said.
“This report shows that Ireland’s Digital Decade is real – in the way we work, learn, do business and come together at our favourite festivals and matches. Data use has exploded, powered by our investment in fibre and 5G.”
Mr Loomes added that inclusion must remain a priority.
“More work is needed to ensure all people and businesses can participate fully in Ireland’s Digital Decade. eir is committed to continuing our multibillion-euro investment in fibre and 5G so that every home, every business and every community can thrive.”
Speaking at the launch of the report, Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation, welcomed the research, saying: “Digital infrastructure is the backbone for innovation, connectivity and growth in our economy and will play a pivotal role in strengthening Ireland’s competitive business environment in the coming period.”