Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
824. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of funding allocated to local authorities for a scheme (details supplied); the amount of funding that went to the private sector separately; the number of applications grant aided by the local authorities under this scheme; the way the criteria were set; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43228/21]
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 number of which were multi-hub applications. This represents a very high level of interest given that there estimated to be 400-500 hubs currently in operation.
The criteria by which applications were evaluated were detailed in the scheme outline document. These criteria were: Developing and Leveraging Hub Infrastructure - 30%; Quality of Proposal - 25%; Methodology - 20%; Value for Money - 15%; and Collaboration - 10%.
Joint multi-hub applications to the Connected Hubs Call were encouraged, with a number of applications featuring both private and public hubs. Given this approach, a breakdown of funding provided to public and private hubs is not available. However, details of all successful applicants and the associated funding, categorised by the lead applicant in each case, can be found on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/64df6-connected-hubs-fund/.
