Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022
986. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if in the pursuit of relocated working conditions, it has been found possible to provide the necessary level of IT including broadband to the various hubs throughout the country in order to ensure insofar as is possible a working environment for those who may find it possible to work from an alternative location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18361/22]
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 help to ameliorate 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 223 hubs live on the platform, with this number increasing on an ongoing basis.
My Department continues to fund the establishment and development of remote working hubs under a number of funding streams, including funding 28 projects related to remote working under the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme which I announced recently.
In February, I also launched the 2022 Connected Hubs Call, a €5 million funding stream to further support remote working facilities (including BCPs) throughout the country and add further capacity to the National Hub Network. My officials are currently evaluating the applications submitted and I expect to announce the successful applicants in the next few weeks.
Details of all these schemes and successful applications are available at www.gov.ie.
As co-chair, with Minister of State Smyth, of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce, I have a role in driving forward efforts to improve connectivity across the country. Furthermore, delivery of the National Broadband Plan is a key deliverable of Our Rural Future and I continue to offer our full support for that vitally important project.
