Nationwide connected hubs network unveiled

Two Cavan sites have been named in the Connected Hubs Network, Ireland’s first national network of remote working hubs, announced today by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD.

They are the Cavan Digital Hub and Cavan Innovation and Technology Centre.

Connectedhubs.ie is a key action of 'Our Rural Future' and will see over 100 hubs connected by the end of 2021.

Already, 66 hubs across the country are on board and are accessible to remote workers via an online map.

This number will rise to over 100 by the end 2021 with the overall target of 400 set to be exceeded.

Announcing the launch of the network in Swinford, Co Mayo earlier today, Minister Humphreys said:

“Hub working can support the development of employment opportunities and career paths in rural areas. This will help to give young people the choice to stay closer to home while pursuing their careers and also to encourage people living in cities to consider moving to a more rural location.

“Throughout this pandemic, so many of us have experienced the benefits of remote working – reduced commutes, more time spent with your family, increased footfall in towns, a lower carbon footprint."

She continued: “As we look to the reopening of our country, I am determined that we make remote working a permanent and viable reality for thousands of people.

“The Connected Hubs Network provides the perfect opportunity for workers and employers to embrace a ‘blended working’ model, and to find the balance of hub, home and office working that works best for them.”

The Minister is urging all existing or new hubs to become members of Connected Hubs.

"In addition to availing of the excellent platform and supports unveiled today, by having your details included in the National Hub Survey you can help Government to identify the scale of our nation’s remote working infrastructure. This information will help to guide and inform future investment decisions in future," she said.

Hub managers are being reminded of two funding streams available - the €5m Connected Hubs fund for existing hubs and the €15m Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which places particular emphasis on projects supporting remote working and enhancing town centre living.

“I will also be making an announcement regarding the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in the coming months,” said Minister Humphreys.

The National Hub Network Working Group led by the Department of Rural and Community Development has identified and mapped close to 400 remote working hubs across the country. These hubs will be invited to join the Connected Hubs Network to create shared infrastructure that will deliver real benefits across the country. A National Hub survey is currently underway to gather further information with regard to services offered by these hubs.