Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2022
77. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the level of funding provided since the February 2020 general election to date with regard to the provision of community and remote work hubs in County Wicklow; if she plans further funding specifically in this area; if so, the timeframe for the funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8273/22]
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.
To date, approximately €100m has been provided by my Department through various funding streams to support the development of digital hubs and remote working facilities across Ireland.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme both support the establishment of digital hubs. Under last 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 application themes.
Last year I awarded almost €9 million in funding through the Connected Hubs funding stream to more than 100 applicants from all across the country. This included funding for 3 remote working hubs in Wicklow, namely - Wicklow Hub, Wicklow Office Suites and the Arklow Business Enterprise Centre. This has enabled them to, for example, create additional office spaces, install video conferencing equipment, and to enhance their remote working offering. A list of successful applicants is available on my Department's website.
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.
I am currently reviewing all my Department’s funding streams and I will make an announcement shortly on the plans for 2022.
