Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has announced that 400 hubs are now onboarded to ConnectedHubs.ie, meeting a key deliverable of Our Rural Future. The Minister made the announcement at the fourth National Hub Summit held in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.
The Summit serves as a platform for international and Irish speakers, hub teams, representative bodies, state agencies and government departments to engage in discussions regarding the future strategic direction of the National Hub Network in Ireland.
Alongside key strategic discussions, the event focuses on knowledge sharing, networking and developing best practice.
Minister Calleary yesterday visited the 400th hub, Monksland Innovation Hub in Co. Roscommon.
Speaking at the summit, Minister Calleary said:
“Our Rural Future recognises the opportunity that remote working presents in terms of rejuvenating our rural towns and villages.
“I am delighted to announce that the 400th hub has been onboarded onto the Connected Hubs. Meeting this key deliverable under Our Rural Future demonstrates the Government’s commitment to remote working and to rural Ireland.
“As Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, it is important to me that those who chose to live in rural Ireland are given the chance to avail of the increased remote working opportunities that have emerged in recent years.
“The hub network not only assists with these opportunities, it is helping to sustain the population in some rural areas, revitalise town centres, reduce commuting times and improve the quality of life for people.”
Allan Mulrooney, CEO of Western Development Commission said:
“Connected Hubs began as a pilot initiative in the Western Region and has since expanded to become a national network. Reaching 400 hubs marks a significant milestone in that journey and highlights the transformative impact that this initiative is having in communities across Ireland.
“Through our partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, the Western Development Commission is proud to manage the Connected Hubs Network and to support the continued growth of remote working opportunities. Together, we are helping to sustain local communities, attract talent, and strengthen regional economies, delivering on the ambitions set out in Our Rural Future.”
