The competition, which was launched in June by open eir, the wholesale division of eir, formerly Eircom, invited communities across Ireland to outline how being “fibre-powered” would positively impact their lives, their businesses and their homes. The competition was open to communities with no access to high-speed broadband, awaiting the deployment of the National Broadband Plan.

In total 36, communities from across Ireland entered the competition, with Munterconnaught in Co Cavan winning the coveted prize.

The “end-to-end” technology will reach directly into homes and businesses and offer speeds of up to 1,000Mbps (1GB). It is expected to be rolled out for residents over the course of 2016.

Commenting on winning the competition, local resident Peadar Gill said: “It’s the communications equivalent of the M3 motorway – a technological advance that will improve the lives of everyone in the parish.”

Brendan O’ Brien, also from Munterconnaught, said: “I work from home – having high-speed broadband will expand my scope enormously and allow me to take on new clients. It’s fantastic – I’m really looking forward to it.”

Richard Moat, CEO of eir, said Munterconnaught was chosen because village entrants “clearly communicated that high-speed broadband is the key to a successful future. Their detailed entry included a residential survey highlighting how 91% of the community is open to using high-speed broadband, giving 63% the option to work from home. Twenty case studies outlined the social, educational, medical and business challenges faced without high-speed broadband”.

Eir is one of the companies bidding for the Government’s state-subsidised National Broadband Plan, which is expected to go to tender later this year, with the first homes connected in 2016, and the final homes expected to be connected by 2020.