Remote Irish Island, Arranmore, Invites America to Connect

31/05/2019 11:50

DUBLIN, May 31, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Arranmore, a remote island in the Atlantic Ocean (off the west coast of Ireland) that has seen its population decimated to below 500 inhabitants due to emigration, is inviting Americans to connect, do business, and even consider relocating after having high-speed broadband installed for the very first time.

Arranmore Island located 5km off the coast of Donegal, North-West of Ireland, has just gone through the biggest advancement in its recent history by becoming the recipient of Ireland's first offshore digital hub.

In an open letter to the people of America, the island's community has stated that they are now "open for business". Surprisingly, the local talent includes graphic designers, games developers, app developers, photographers plus a host of artisan craftspeople who are ready to connect right now.

The ambition is to stimulate employment and reverse over a century of emigration that has seen the island's population drop to just 469 people. In a world where business is more global than ever, and the growing trend towards remote working means we are even more in control of where we choose to live and raise a family. And that's why Americans are also being presented with the unique opportunity of swapping the hustle and bustle of the city for the calm and beauty of Arranmore.

Speaking on the significance of the change, Adrian Begley of Arranmore Island Community Council, said: "For us, this connection is the electrification of the 21st century. It's that big a thing. Whilst the Irish economy is growing, the islands have been neglected; emigration continues and culture gets lost, but we're confident that's all about to change."

Neil Gallagher, CEO of tech company Caped Koala Studios, added: "Moving home has always been a dream but the fundamentals of connectivity for my line of work just made it impossible. The digital hub means people working for tech companies like mine can now work on Arranmore. The set-up is as good as any city in the world, but the view is so much better."

High-speed connectivity has been extended to the island's schools, medical centre and a number of local businesses and community facilities, making Arranmore a more attractive place for families and business people to live and work.

Anyone wishing to connect with Arranmore's community can send them a message via their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/arainnmhor/

Media Assets

Interviews
We can arrange Skype interviews with the islanders and/or live crosses for any radio or TV requests.

Films

Films documenting the emotional journey that the islanders have been on:

60 seconds - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDbUSWM1Kn8
9 minutes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4PcOZ8xMsA

Photos

Download the photos listed below via this link:
https://we.tl/t-S74u8EvHxF

Aerial shots of Arranmore x 3
Adrian Begley - Arranmore Island Community Council
Neil Gallagher - CEO of tech company Caped Koala Studios

About Arranmore

More information is available on the island's website.

http://www.arainnmhor.com/

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