31 May Launch of National Connected Hubs Network  – Dillon

• Ireland’s first ever digital hub network now live via ConnectedHubs.ie
• Network to make remote working a reality throughout Rural Ireland

 

Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon has today welcomed the launch of the Connected Hubs Network, Ireland’s first national network of remote working hubs by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD.

Deputy Dillon said “I welcome Minister Humphreys to Swinford this morning to launch the network, Remote Working is a key committment of ‘Our Rural Future’, the most ambitious policy for Rural Ireland in decades.

Deputy Dillon said “The Connected Hubs Network provides the perfect opportunity for workers and employers to embrace a ‘blended working’ model, and to find the balance of hub, home and office working that works best for them.”

Connectedhubs.ie is a key action of Our Rural Future and will see over 100 hubs connected by the end of 2021.

Already, 66 hubs across the country are on board and are accessible to remote workers via an online map, I welcome 5 of these are in County Mayo.

 

• Leeson Enterprise Centre, Westport
• Knockmore Resource Centre, Knockmore
• Cairn Enterprise Hub, Kiltimagh
• Gteic@BéalanMhuirthead, Blacksod
• Swinford Digiwest Hub, Swinford

 

Deputy Dillon concluded “I would urge all existing or new hubs to become members of Connected Hubs. In addition to availing of the excellent platform and supports unveiled today, by having your details included in the National Hub Survey you can help Government to identify the scale of our nation’s remote working infrastructure. This information will help to guide and inform future investment decisions in future.

 “I would also like to remind hub managers of two funding streams which were recently launched by Minister Humphreys, the €5m Connected Hubs fund for existing hubs and the €15m Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which will place particular emphasis on projects supporting remote working and enhancing town centre living as outlined in Our Rural Future.

“Throughout this pandemic, so many of us have experienced the benefits of remote working – reduced commutes, more time spent with your family, increased footfall in towns, a lower carbon footprint.

The National Hub Network Working Group led by the Department of Rural and Community Development has identified and mapped close to 400 remote working hubs across the country. These hubs will be invited to join the Connected Hubs Network to create shared infrastructure that will deliver real benefits across the country. A National Hub survey is currently underway to gather further information with regard to services offered by these hubs.