Committee on Rural and Community Development to explore Smart Communities and remote-work opportunities

Scheduled witnesses include

• Minister of State Seán Canney TD
• Grow Remote co-founder Tracy Keogh

Minister Canney last month launched Smart Communities in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo. The initiative seeks to promote greater access to, and use of, technology and digital content nationwide.

Grow Remote is a volunteer-driven organisation that promotes remote work opportunities in small towns and rural areas.

“Remote working is a growing reality for tens of thousands of workers in Ireland’s labour force. Jobs previously concentrated in cities today can be performed from almost anywhere and without a gruelling commute. Working from home or from a co-working space presents opportunities both to employers and employees. Rural Ireland has a real opportunity here which we need to exploit,” said Committee Chairman Joe Carey TD.

“Grow Remote is building networks of entrepreneurs, recruiters and others charting a positive course for people to stay connected to professional opportunity and their local community,” Deputy Carey said.

The meeting in Committee Room 4 can be viewed live here.