Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
211. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if funds or plans are in place to provide for innovation enterprise digital hubs to facilitate remote working clusters and small businesses in medium to large sized towns. [32581/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has invested in the development of enterprise/co-working hubs in every region through the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and the recent Border Fund. Based on Enterprise Ireland’s analysis, approximately 3,200 co-working/enterprises spaces are being developed across 45 of the 117 projects supported under these Funds.
There are a broad range of digital/enterprise/community hubs currently operating across the country, both public and private, including social enterprises. The Western Development Commission (WDC) has mapped over 100 remote working hubs within the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) region and aim to develop a network of facilities in the AEC region for remote workers, students and for community use, including a common booking engine.
In August 2020, I announced a €12 million Enterprise Centre Fund, administered by Enterprise Ireland, to provide financial support to eligible centres who have been impacted by COVID-19.
In addition, €5 million has also been allocated to the Department of Rural and Community Development in Budget 2021 to further develop a national network of remote working hubs and upgrading existing facilities. An Interdepartmental Working Group has been established to progress this project, and includes my Department.
It is also worth noting that more than 300 Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) will be connected in rural areas over coming months to provide public access to free high-speed broadband services. More than 50 BCPs are already connected.
Finally, my Department is expecting to finalise a Remote Working Strategy before the end of the year.
