Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022
414. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans for an e-hub in Athea, County Limerick; the way that the community could arrange for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13663/22]
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.
Last 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 216 hubs live on the platform, with this number increasing on an ongoing basis. Twelve of these hubs are located in County Limerick, while a further 12 hubs throughout County Limerick have been mapped for invitation to join the network.
Details for the onboarded hub facilities can be obtained via the Connected hubs platform, www.connectedhubs.ie.
My Department also continues to fund the establishment and development of remote working hubs under a number of funding streams. The establishment of new hubs is funded under schemes such as the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and LEADER. Proposals for new hubs are brought forward via bodies such as local authorities and LEADER Local Action Groups for consideration under the schemes funded by my Department. For example, I recently announced funding of €18.5m under the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme for a range of projects including a number of remote working hub projects. It is expected that the 2022 Town and Village Renewal Scheme will be open for applications in the coming weeks. Similarly there is currently a Category 1 Call open under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, with a Category 2 Call expected later this year.
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 ongoing 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.
