Seán Sherlock
Question:1156. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her views on a matter (details supplied). [38046/22]
View answerTuesday, 12 July 2022
Questions (1156)
Written answers
The Connected Hubs Voucher Scheme, which I launched in June, will give remote workers free use of hot desks at participating digital hubs nationwide. These hubs are all members of the National Hub Network and voucher bookings may be made via the Network's online booking platform connectedhubs.ie
Connectedhubs.ie is a shared online booking engine that provides a 'one stop shop' for users to find their nearest hub and for hubs to advertise their services and take bookings. This service is currently provided free of charge to both the user and the member hubs.
Under the Connected Hubs Voucher Scheme, at least 10,000 hot desk working days will be provided for free. The scheme is aimed at both existing hub users and those accessing hub facilities for the first time. Each registered user has been allocated 3 vouchers to use at participating hubs.
Vouchers first became available on 27th June and are redeemable until 31st August 2022. A second phase of the Scheme will launch in September. This second phase will allow more hubs to sign up to the Network and to take part in the voucher scheme. Any hubs who are interested in taking part should contact info@connectedhubs.ie to register their hub on the connectedhubs.ie platform.
As more hubs are added to the Network, more hot desks will become available to book online, including via the voucher scheme.
With regards to the area highlighted by the Deputy, the Connected Hubs team have spoken to and engaged with representatives from a number of hubs in the area since early this year. These hubs have been invited to join the National Hub Network and to be onboarded to connectedhubs.ie.
It should be noted that there are a number of other hubs in Cork City and county that are members of the Network and are participating in the Voucher Scheme. Locations of these hubs may be found at www.connectedhubs.ie.