Vol. 557 No. 4
76 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress made to date with regard to the development of the proposed digital hub in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22336/02]
The digital hub, which is the Government's flagship project in the digital content sector, aims to cluster Irish and international new media companies, research and development and educational-community initiatives in the Liberties-Coombe area of Dublin.
The digital content industry has been identified by our development agencies as a high growth, value added industry where we already have significant strengths. Since the beginning of this year, considerable progress has been made in advancing the project. The Digital Hub Development Agency Bill, which provides for the placing of Digital Media Development Limited on a statutory footing, was published in January 2002. The Bill completed Second Stage in the Seanad on 17 October last and is currently at Committee Stage in the Seanad. It is hoped to have the legislation enacted by the end of the year.
Property purchase amounting to €75 million has been completed. The property which is currently vested in the Commissioners of Public Works will be transferred to the new agency on enactment of the legislation and the refurbishment of property purchased for the project will be undertaken by using a public private partnership model. Digital Media Development Limited commenced this process last June and recently announced that four consortia have been short-listed to go to the next stage of the PPP process.
It is envisaged that when completed, the project will deliver 500,000 square feet of enterprise, learning and educational, residential and retail space. In order to accelerate the provision of enterprise space, preliminary work is under way on the refurbishment of a 1930s landmark build ing, the Printworks, as a high-tech, broadband enabled facility catering for established and high potential start-up companies in the digital media sector in a joint venture between DMDL, Enterprise Ireland and Dublin City Council. Construction of a three kilometre high speed, fibre broadband network in the hub at a cost of €2.29 million was completed in September 2002 and a network operations centre is scheduled to be in place by the first quarter of next year.
The former executive chairperson of the company, Mr. Paddy Teahon, resigned last September and was replaced as chairperson of the board by Mr. William Burgess, former chairman and managing director of IBM Ireland. The board has recently appointed Mr. Philip Flynn as chief executive of the company who is to take up his position in December.
Additional information.Extensive consultation has taken place from the earliest stages of the project with the local community to ensure that the locality benefits from the project.
The Liberties learning initiative, an education-community based programme being run in conjunction with the development of the digital hub, is now under way. Through this, DMDL is working with local schools, training providers and the National Council for Technology in Education to promote ICT skills in the local community. In addition, a "learning space", which will provide a focal point for education and training, will be available shortly in space currently being refurbished along Thomas Street.
I thank the Minister for his detailed reply particularly regarding the technological development. It is important that this initiative should benefit the local people. The area surrounding the digital hub is disadvantaged and this development is welcome. Will the Minister comment on the important issue of social and affordable housing and outline what plans are in place to ensure the housing requirements of the area are not disadvantaged in any way?
There has been extensive consultation with the local community. An official has been given the exclusive duty of organising consultation with the residents' associations, community groups and public representatives. There have been 150 meetings and contact has been established with 140 community groups. A questionnaire was distributed in early 2001 to 10,000 postal addresses in the area.
The housing element will be part of the proposals made by the four consortia which have been short-listed. The issue of social and affordable housing will obviously be taken into account and it will be necessary to comply with existing planning criteria in that respect.
Deputy Upton may reply briefly.
The other significant aspect of this development is its educational value to the local schools. It is important that the local schools are informed on all the developments. They should be the beneficiaries of the technological developments in the area. It would be valuable if the Department of Education and Science was seen to support and perhaps match the developments. Will the Minister comment on what consultation has taken place with the schools and what plans there are for the developments to be transferred to the local schools?
Will the Minister outline what will be the primary advantages for businesses locating in this location given that under EU competition rules low rents or tax incentives cannot be offered? What will attract businesses into the hub?
I welcome the concept of the digital hub. In the interests of regional development does the Minister have any plans to set up similar models outside the Dublin area?
The Minister for a final reply.
There is scope for the digital hub to interact with other areas around the country and particularly with other educational institutes and universities. In answer to Deputy Upton's question, the Department of Education and Science has been involved in the discussions and negotiations relating to the setting up of the digital hub. A former Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science is on the board. Substantial funding has been allocated not only to the educational content of the digital hub but also to MediaLab Europe which is already up and running. The idea is to have a cluster and network so that new companies with new ideas can develop in consultation with other companies within the sector. MediaLab Europe is working well and it is envisaged that the same principles will apply to the digital hub.
Dundalk will not be short of cable.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
