Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 January 2022
378. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if another round of the Connected Hubs Fund is planned; if so, when the fund will open for applications; the level of funding that will be allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4157/22]
View answerOur Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, recognises the potential of remote working hubs as key economic assets for our rural towns and villages. Notwithstanding the clear benefits to individuals and families in terms of quality of life indicators, remote working from hubs will also support local economies, reduce carbon emissions and may arrest or reverse the depopulation of certain areas.
My Department operates a number of funding schemes that focus on projects supporting remote working through the development of hubs and Broadband Connection Points as long-term, digitally-enabled community assets. To date, my Department has awarded over €100 million to projects involved in developing remote working facilities under programmes such as the Rural Regeneration Development Fund and the Town and Village Renewal.
Last year, I awarded almost €9 million in funding through the Connected Hubs Call to applicants across all regions. This funding allowed for the expansion of existing hub facilities and remote working infrastructure in digital hubs throughout the country.
I am currently reviewing all my Department’s funding streams and I will make an announcement shortly on the plans for 2022.
