Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2021
368. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which she continues to interact with large employers in the more densely populated areas of Ireland with a view to the development of digital hubs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61044/21]
View answerOur Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs over the lifetime of the policy to 2025.
In May I launched the National Connected Hubs network together with the connectedhubs.ie platform. The platform offers a suite of booking and hub management applications to members of the Network. There are currently 170 hubs live on the platform, with this number growing every week.
The National Hub Network includes a diverse range of hubs, services and facilities. The Network can thus facilitate a wide range of users, including individual users as well as companies of different sizes with varying requirements. Engagement by the Western Development Commission continues with potential corporate clients with a view to building a revenue stream for the Connectedhubs platform.
To date our focus has been to develop a critical mass of hubs on the connectedhubs.ie platform - the focus will shortly shift to raising awareness of the network to relevant stakeholders, including SMEs/business owners, largescale companies and hub users. Work is also ongoing to consult with hub managers across the country in developing the future strategic direction of the National Hub Network.
A significant number of initiatives will be developed in 2022 through the Network including supporting collective engagement between Connected Hubs and large scale employers and supporting collaborative projects in the Network to drive economies of scale.
The development of a National Hubs Network is a key commitment in Our Rural Future and I am committed to continuing my Department's support for the development of a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs in recognition of the vital role that they can play in our post-Covid recovery.
