Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004
123 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the development on the proposed digital hub in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5849/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Digital Hub Development Agency Act was enacted in July 2003. The legislation places the development agency for the hub on a statutory footing and the agency is charged with the development of the hub.
The digital hub, which is the Government's flagship project in the digital content sector, intends to provide a high quality environment for Irish and international new media companies, research and development, along with educational and 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 this country already exhibits significant strengths.
The digital hub is currently conducting negotiations to select a preferred developer for the refurbishment of seven acres of development space. Three consortia have bid for the development contract. These bids are currently being evaluated and a recommendation is expected to be made to me in early April 2004.
