Cable TV operator UPC has announced plans to introduce 30Mb broadband services to subscribers in Ireland.

The firm, which bought out cable and multichannel multipoint distribution service operators Chorus and NTL, is aiming to introduce the fastest consumer connections available in the country.

According to the Irish Times, Smart Telecom currently provides the fastest service at 24Mb, while Eircom lags behind with 7Mb.

Mark Coan, marketing and sales director with UPC, told the news provider that the firm would be investing heavily in its networks over the coming year.

Growth in bandwidth-intensive applications such as online gaming and video downloading has created demand for higher speeds, he noted.

Last week, economist Jim Power told the Donegal News that the county's economy would be improved by plans to provide next-generation broadband.

Ireland's National Broadband Scheme will help improve the competitiveness of businesses in Donegal, where average income levels are way below the national average, he stated.