Despite the unprecedented challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, National Broadband Ireland has made steady progress on delivery of the new high speed fibre broadband network under the National Broadband Plan. I am advised by NBI that, as of 3 September, over 14,500 homes are passed and available for connection in Counties Cork, Cavan, Galway, Limerick and Monaghan. In addition, over 7,000 premises can also pre-order via retail service providers in those counties and get a connection in the coming months. I am advised that main fibre build works are currently underway in 25 Deployment Areas covering over 105,000 premises. As the programme continues to build momentum these figures are expected to grow month on month. County Galway was one of the first counties to see premises passed and I am advised that to date over 4,000 premises have been passed and are available for connection through retail service providers operating in the area. Build works are also well advanced in other areas of Co Roscommon and I am advised that almost 3,000 premises will be available for connection early next year. In addition, some 460 premises can currently pre-order a connection in Co Roscommon.