Ireland's newest TV channel has launched this morning as UTV Ireland's final transmissions came to an end.

TV3’s new channel be3 went live at 7am this morning, bringing with it a schedule of ‘female-focused’ content and children’s programmes.

An exclusive new production entitled Aerial Ireland will premiere on be3 at 9pm on tonight. This landmark documentary showcases Ireland’s geology, natural terrain, human history and built environment as seen from the air. Views of Donegal will feature as cameras take in scenes from the Wild Atlantic Way.

To celebrate this launch, TV3 premiered a new advert that will run across all TV3 platforms. The advert features the Nina Simone track ‘There’s a New World Coming’, sung by Irish singer/songwriter, Áine Cahill.

be3 will also be home to News at 7 and News at 10 bulletins from 3News Ireland.

Dramas such as Midsomer Murders, Doc Martin, Wentworth, and all new Prime Suspect 1973 will be broadcast exclusively in Ireland on be3. be3 viewers will also have a second chance to catch Coronation Street and Emmerdale. TV3 Group’s children’s programming strand, 3Kids will also be broadcast each weekday morning from 7am on be3.

be3 will be available on channel 106 on Virgin Media, channel 116 on Sky, channel 6 on Saorview, channel 108 on Eir’s eVision and channel 110 on Vodafone.

The new look TV3 flagship schedule will kick off with a dramatic feature length episode celebrating the return of Red Rock for its fourth season. Other new content to TV3 includes Rare Breed, This Is Jobstown, Thelma’s Big Irish Communions, new primetime ITV drama Tina & Bobby and This Morning, which will be broadcast live on TV3 from 10.30am following the newly extended Ireland AM.

Tomorrow also sees the launch of Elaine, TV3’s new daytime show, daily at 3pm and presented by Elaine Crowley.

Over the coming weeks TV3 will also launch brand new series of Celebrity Masterchef, The Restaurant and Gogglebox Ireland.

Other popular content such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale, The Voice UK, Broadchurch and Britain’s Got Talent will be broadcast exclusively on TV3 across 2017.

3e has already become the exclusive home to Celebrity Big Brother and with Jedward now in the Big Brother House, there promises to be extra interest amongst Irish viewers. 3e will also be the new home to The Graham Norton Show, The Jonathan Ross Show, Jeremy Kyle and Ninja Warrior as well as “extra” shows like Big Brother’s Bit On The Side and Xtra Factor.

UTV Ireland was forced to close after two years. The final live broadcast came from the award-winning news programme Ireland Live.

Presenter Alison Comyn posted a tribute to her colleagues on Facebook last week: “It was my privilege to anchor the very first Ireland Live news on UTV Ireland two years ago today, and I will present the very last one tomorrow. It’s been an amazing experience, and I’ve loved every minute. Thank you to the incredible team I’ve worked with and I wish you all the best of luck for the future. We each have our own memories….these are my personal ones. I’ve had the time of my life….”