An island off the coast of Donegal has been connected with broadband.

Arranmore is five kilometres off the north-west coast and has a population of 469 people.

Three Ireland has installed state of the art technology to help businesses in the region.

The company has said this partnership will help the local community to create business and employment opportunities.

Until now, the lack of connectivity has made working remotely from the island almost impossible and restricted the ability to establish a business, or for existing businesses on the island to grow.

Some 22% of the population are currently employed, compared to 17% who are unemployed or looking for their first job.

A further 29% are retired, with the remaining population in education, unable to work or caring for others.

Three has partnered with the Arranmore Business Council to help deliver a digital hub to facilitate effective remote working.

Superfast connectivity and bandwidth has been provided to the hub, as well as fitting out the interior and installing the latest hardware.

Accommodating 13 desks, the digital hub now provides locals and visitors with a state-of-the-art work environment and conferencing facilities.

Pictured are Seamus Bonner (Arranmore Business Council), Elaine Carey (chief commercial officer, Three), Adrian Begley (Arranmore Business Council) and Eoin MacManus (business director, Three) | Image: Supplied

Broadband has been installed in a number of local business and community facilities, including in Scoil Athphoirt where students can now use interactive whiteboards, research online and participate in online learning.

The broadband is also available in the medical centre, which will facilitates telemedicinal applications - including video consultations with consultants on the mainland - saving patients a four-hour round trip to Letterkenny or overnight trip to Dublin.

Eóin MacManus, business and enterprise director at Three Ireland, said: "Last year we became aware of the great work being done by the Arranmore Business Council to improve connectivity on the island and, looking at the portfolio of services that we provide to thousands of businesses in Ireland, we identified a number of ways that we could help.

"We approached the island as we would any enterprise customer and worked in partnership with them to identify the best solution."

"Today's launch marks the start of a long-term partnership as we work with the people of Arranmore to help deliver their ambitious plans for the island which will enable them to sustain and develop their community."

Adrian Begley of Arranmore Business Council added: "MODAM, Irelands first offshore digital hub, came about as part of the effort by Arranmore Island Community Council to encourage its diaspora to consider making Arranmore home once more.

"In the process of making that connectivity happen, we were approached by Three, who not only helped us with the hub, but also improved internet connectivity across the island, which is fantastic for the entire community."

Main image: Eoin MacManus (business director, Three), Adrian Begley (Arranmore Business Council), Elaine Carey (chief commercial officer, Three) and Seamus Bonner (Arranmore Business Council) | Image: Supplied