Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
82. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the provision of financial support to local authorities to bring vacant properties in town centres back into use as remote working hubs as outlined in Our Rural Future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60219/21]
View answerMy Department operates a number of schemes that focus on projects supporting the development of remote working hubs as outlined in Our Rural Future– Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme both support the establishment of digital hubs. Under this year's schemes, projects that bring vacant properties in town centres back into use as remote working hubs were eligible for funding. The repurposing of existing community or publicly owned buildings in town or village centres to facilitate remote working was also eligible to apply.
In April, I announced funding of €81m for 25 landmark projects under the RRDF - many of the successful projects involve the regeneration of historic town centre buildings as Enterprise and Co-Working Hubs.
In July I awarded almost €9 million in funding through the Connected Hubs call to over 100 applicants - this funding will allow for the expansion of existing hub facilities and remote working infrastructure in digital hubs, including Broadband Connection Points, throughout the country.
The new Town Centre First Policy, which is expected to be launched shortly, will also be an important catalyst for Local Authorities and stakeholders to plan for the revitalisation of their towns, and particularly to explore new and alternative uses for vacant properties in town centres.
My Department also supports the development of the Connected Hubs Network - www.connectedhubs.ie, that offers a suite of booking and hub management applications to members of the platform. It is also facilitating the sharing of innovation, experience and best practices across the community. There are currently 170 remote working hubs live on the platform, with this number growing every week.
I am committed to continuing my Department's support for the development of remote working hubs in our town centres in recognition of the vital role that they can play as key economic assets in our post-Covid recovery.
