Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 June 2022
230. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline the position regarding a second round connected hubs funding application of a group (details supplied). [34684/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs over the lifetime of the policy to 2025.
In furtherance of this commitment, my Department continues to focus on strategically developing the national hubs network, and adding capacity to Ireland's existing remote working infrastructure.
Over €100m has been invested in the development of remote working facilities by my department in recent years, through programmes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Successful projects under these schemes are developed in collaboration with local authorities and communities with many projects seeing vacant and derelict buildings in rural towns and villages converted into remote working hubs.
On 21 February , I announced the 2022 Connected Hubs Call. The aim of this fund is to add additional capacity to existing remote working infrastructure in Ireland by upgrading established hubs and Broadband Connection Points (BCPs).
Eligible works included the expansion of hubs, installation of privacy booths, access control and security systems, the conversion of existing open plan space to modular offices, and the provision of enhanced audio visual, networking and conferencing facilities.
By the deadline of 4 April, my Department had received 189 applications requesting over €11m in funding. This represents a very high level of interest, and on 8 June, I announced €5.1 million in funding to 81 successful applicants.
All applications were subject to a uniform assessment and selection process. This process was centred on a competitive scoring system in line with a number of criteria which were publicised in advance of applications being developed and received.
With regard to the specific hub referenced by the Deputy, the application met the qualifying standard and was assessed and scored competitively along with all other applications. As the Call was significantly over subscribed this year, it was not possible to offer funding to all qualifying applications. Unfortunately, this application was not one of the 81 projects to succeed this year based on the competitive scoring process.
It should be noted that all unsuccessful applicants can request feedback from my department by contacting the Connected Hubs team.
Furthermore, I would like to clarify that an unsuccessful application this year will not negatively impact on any future applications to the Connected Hubs Fund.
