Seán Sherlock
Question:102. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the connected hubs fund; and the number of applications that have been received. [17863/22]
View answerTuesday, 5 April 2022
Questions (102)
Written answers
Our 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 223 hubs live on the platform, with this number increasing on an ongoing basis.
In 2021, under the first Connected Hubs Call, almost €9 million was awarded to more than 100 remote and co-working hubs, including a significant number of public Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) throughout the country. This funding mechanism is designed to ensure additional capacity and improved facilities and to support the long-term viability of existing hubs.
In February, I announced a further €5 million for the sector under the 2022 Connected Hubs Call. The call closed to applications at 6pm yesterday evening, Monday 4th April. My officials are currently evaluating the applications submitted and I expect to announce the successful applicants in the next few weeks.
Details of all these schemes and successful applications will be available at www.gov.ie.
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.