Arranmore could become Ireland first offshore island to have a high-speed broadband connection beneath the sea.
Donegal County Council has issued a tender inviting applicants to apply to investigate the possibility of such a connection.
The island, which has a population of around 450 people, already has high broadband speed after a partnership between the local community and Three.
The remote broadband feeds into a digital hub which is used by islanders which they hope people coming back to live on the island can use.
The tender, issued in recent days by Donegal County Council, seeks to provide a physical subsea cable that will further enhance the island’’s connectivity.
It advertises for “supply and delivery to Burtonport, Co Donegal, of submersible optic fibre cable from competent and reputable suppliers”.
According to the tender: “In 2017/2018, Arranmore Island Community Council initiated a campaign to target a number of families to return to the island. This initiative would have the benefit of adding to the island’’s declining population as well as generating employment and economic activity.
“A digital hub with high-speed broadband was an essential first step to making this a reality.
“In collaboration with Donegal County Council, the Community Council opened a co-working facility in 2019 in partnership with 3 (Three) Ireland, providing wireless high-speed internet access which the island had previously not had. 3 (Three) Ireland has produced a major marketing campaign “The Island” based on this.
“In an attempt to provide more resilience to the high-speed internet service to the island, the installation of a submersible fibre optic cable from the mainland, Burtonport to Arranmore Island via Rutland Island is being considered.”
The closing date for receipt of tenders is noon on April 9 and according to Donegal County Council: “It is an absolute prerequisite that the goods will be delivered no later than Thursday April 29, 2020.”
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