Written Answers Nos. 830-832
832. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the ongoing work by her Department to support remote working initiatives; her views on the benefits of remote working for balanced regional development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10814/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future recognises the opportunity that remote working presents for rural rejuvenation and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated national network of 400 remote working hubs by 2025.
Remote working provides an opportunity for people to continue to live in rural communities while following their career ambitions, supporting the retention of skilled people in rural communities and attracting mobile talent to rural areas. It can reduce commuting time, while lowering transport emissions, providing a better work-life balance and improved quality of life.
Substantial funding has been invested by my department in the development of remote working facilities through a variety of programmes. Successful projects are developed in collaboration with local authorities and communities with many vacant and derelict buildings converted into remote working hubs.
In 2021, I launched connectedhubs.ie, a shared online booking and payments platform for member hubs and their users. There are currently 346 facilities across the country on-boarded to the platform, nine of which are located in Co Kildare. An interactive map that shows the location and details of each remote working hub is available on connectedhubs.ie.
Following strong progress on the establishment of the Connected Hub Network and on achieving the initial critical mass, my Department, together with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, is leading on the formulation of a first National Hub Strategy, in consultation with hub managers, local authorities, communities and other hub sector stakeholders. I intend to bring this strategy to Government this year which will inform the future direction of the National Hub Network and ensure the strategic development and sustainability of Ireland’s Hub Infrastructure.
My ambition is for a healthy, sustainable hub sector that can support government priorities from balanced regional development to reduced carbon emissions. I am committed to ensuring that the National Hub Network will continue to make a central contribution to the achievement of the Government's vision for rural Ireland, as set out in Our Rural Future.
