Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
81. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the level of support provided to remote working, innovation or shared working hubs since the start of the 33rd Dáil; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60017/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a number of schemes that focus on projects supporting the development of remote working hubs as outlined in Our Rural Future– Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025.
To date, over €83m has been provided by my Department through various funding streams to support the development of digital hubs and remote working facilities across Ireland. Since the start of 2020 approximately €31 million has been allocated to remote working projects under these schemes.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme both support the establishment of digital hubs. Under this year's schemes, projects that bring vacant properties in town centres back into use as remote working hubs were eligible for funding. The repurposing of existing community or publicly owned buildings in town or village centres to facilitate remote working were also eligible application themes.
Earlier this year I awarded almost €9 million in funding through the Connected Hubs funding stream to more than 100 applicants from all across the country. A list of successful applicants is available on my Department's website.
My Department also supports the development of the Connected Hubs Network - www.connectedhubs.ie, The National network offers a suite of booking and hub management applications to its members. The Network will also facilitate the sharing of innovation, experience and best practices across the community. These supports will serve to maximise benefit to member hubs, hub clients, employers, local communities and the wider economy. There are currently 170 hubs live on the platform, with this number growing every week.
The development of a national hubs network is a key commitment in Our Rural Future and I am committed to continuing my Department's support for the strategic development of remote working hubs in recognition of the vital role that they can play as key economic assets in our post-Covid recovery.
