Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
873. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the locations in Limerick in which remote working hubs/ehubs are being developed, those which are developed and operational, the number that are planned and the location; the person or body responsible for the day-to-day running of each of these; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11022/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, recognises the potential of remote working hubs as key economic assets for our rural towns and villages. Notwithstanding the clear benefits to individuals and families in terms of quality of life indicators, remote working from hubs will also support local economies, reduce carbon emissions and may arrest or reverse the depopulation of certain areas.
Last May I launched the National Connected Hubs network together with the connectedhubs.ie platform. The platform offers a suite of booking and hub management applications to members of the Network. There are currently 202 hubs live on the platform, with this number increasing on an ongoing basis. 12 of the 202 hubs are located in County Limerick. In addition a further 12 hubs in County Limerick have been mapped for invitation to join the network.
The governance and management structures of each of the hubs on the connectedhubs.ie platform vary. Many are owned and managed by local authorities, social enterprises and community bodies, while others are commercial entities. Details for each of the onboarded hub facilities can be obtained via the Connected hubs platform - www.connectedhubs.ie.
My Department continues to fund the establishment and development of remote working hubs under a number of funding streams. For example, under the Connected Hubs 2021 funding call, approximately €400,000 was allocated to projects in County Limerick. Hub facilities that benefited from this funding included Innovate Limerick in Limerick City, The Yard Workspace in Newcastlewest, Limerick EDP (Enterprise Development Partnership) Innovation Hub in Roxboro, and Croom Enterprise Centre.
I also recently launched the Connected Hubs 2022 Call, a €5 million funding stream to further support remote working facilities (including Broadband Connection Points) throughout the country and add capacity to the National Hub Network.
I have also recently announced funding of €18.5m under the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Successful projects included 28 remote working proposals, one of which centres on the development of a dilapidated former convent building in Doon into a community services and e-Hub facility with remote working and conference room facilities.
Details of all these schemes and successful applications are available at www.gov.ie.
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 ongoing development of a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs in recognition of the vital role that they can play in our post-Covid recovery.
