Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2019
234. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the average first and full year cost of establishing a digital hub under the Digital Hub Development Agency; the number of digital hubs in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18144/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) was established in 2003 under the Digital Hub Development Agency Act 2003 to support digital entrepreneurship through the creation of a cluster of enterprises focussed on digital content and technology in the Liberties area of Dublin 8. I have no statutory function in relation to the establishment of other digital hubs and my Department does not have a list of the digital hubs operating throughout the country.
The DHDA offers digital companies flexible property solutions, facilities, and technology transfer with peer-to-peer collaboration within the wider digital sector. To date, over 375 digital companies have progressed through the enterprise cluster generating more than 2,000 jobs during their time at the Hub. There are currently 71 digital media companies employing 660 full time staff located in the Digital Hub. The DHDA also runs a number of digital and technology Community learning initiatives.
An initial investment of approximately €74 million was made by the State for circa nine acres in the Thomas Street area to provide accommodation for digital enterprises and related activities of the Hub. The Agency’s property portfolio consists primarily of protected structures, including vacant and derelict buildings which must be maintained pending their redevelopment. Over 50% of the campus has been developed and there are currently nine properties available to let to digital enterprises.
The DHDA currently meets its running costs through a combination of its commercial income and Exchequer funding. From 2003 to date the Agency has received Exchequer subventions of approximately €31.4m to assist it meeting its operating and capital expenditure costs. The aim of the Agency is to fulfil its functions from its commercial income and to ultimately remove its reliance on Exchequer funding.
