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, we have a story that may interest you.
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 resulting in its unique island culture under threat of being lost forever,
has received high-speed internet for the first time.
In an open letter to the people of New Zealand, 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 open letter coincides with the UN's World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD). This year marks the
50th anniversary of WTISD. The purpose of this observance is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the
internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) could bring to societies and economies, as well as
of ways to bridge the digital divide.
Assets that I can provide to you include:
Media Release
Provides more information and quotes - attached
Open Letter
Copy of the open letter - attached
Interviews
Now that the internet is installed we can arrange Skype interviews with the islanders and businesses and/or live crosses
for any radio or TV requests.
Films
Below are links to two films that document the emotional journey that the islanders have been on to get to this point:
• Short Form (60 seconds) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDbUSWM1Kn8
• Longer Form (9 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4PcOZ8xMsA
Photos
You can download the following photos listed below via this link: https://we.tl/t-Avyx02Cezo
• Aerial shots of Arranmore island x 3
• Adrian Begley - Arranmore Island Community Council (quoted in the release)
• Neil Gallagher - CEO of tech company Caped Koala Studios (quoted in the release)
ends