Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
823. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason an application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo under a funding scheme was unsuccessful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43227/21]
View answerOn April 29 2021, I launched the Connected Hubs Call. This fund was designed to support the creation of additional remote working capacity at established hubs and Broadband Connection Points (BCPs). Eligible works included the expansion of hubs, installation of privacy booths, access control and security systems, the conversion of existing open plan space to modular offices, and the provision of enhanced audio visual, networking and conferencing facilities. Grants also funded measures to assist hubs and BCPs to address Covid-related challenges.
By the deadline of June 17, my Department had received 153 applications in total, a significant number of which were multi-hub applications. This represents a very high level of interest given that there are between 400-500 hubs currently in operation. On July 22, I announced €8.8 million in funding to 118 successful applicants.
All applications were subject to a uniform assessment and selection process. This process was centred on a competitive scoring system in line with a number of criteria which were publicised in advance of applications being developed and received. Thus, the application in question was scored competitively along with all other applications by reference to the following scoring structure:
- 30% of the marks were available for applications to demonstrate how they would develop and leveraging hub infrastructure,
- 25% of marks were available for the overall quality of the application,
- 20% of marks were available for the methodology set out in the application,
- 15% of marks were available for the demonstration of value for money, and
- 10% of marks were available for collaborative aspects of applications.
Since the announcement of successful applications, my officials have prioritised issuing funding agreements and payments to successful applicants, although I understand that all unsuccessful applicants will shortly be contacted with feedback on their applications.
