Michael Moynihan
Ceist:49. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the support he is providing for digital hubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34986/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 10 November 2020
Ceisteanna (49)
Freagraí scríofa
My 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/enterprise spaces are being developed across 45 of the 117 projects supported under these Funds.
In August this year 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.
There are a broad range of digital/enterprise/community hubs currently operating across the country, both publicly and privately funded, including social enterprises. The Western Development Commission has mapped over 100 remote working hubs within the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) region alone.
The Deputy may also wish to note that €5 million has 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 of existing facilities. An Interdepartmental Working Group has been established to progress this project, and includes my Department.
As part of the Digital Europe Programme (DEP), the European Commission and EU Member States will establish and fund a network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs). In the recent Budget, €3 million was allocated to support Ireland’s participation in this network. These hubs will support digital transformation in SMEs and public sector organisations by encouraging the adoption of the latest advances in the three key DEP technologies of Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and High-Performance Computing. EDIHs will serve as “one-stop-shops” with a research and technology organisation or university lab at the core, providing access to technical expertise and experimentation, as well as innovation services, and the training and skills development necessary for successful digital transformation.
My Department, in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland, intends to hold an expression of interest process for interested research performing organisations, with the intention that two such EDI hubs can be supported in Ireland.
Finally, my Department is expecting to finalise a Remote Working Strategy before the end of the year.