Minister Humphreys launched the Connected Hubs Voucher Scheme, which will give remote workers free use of their local digital hub.
At least 10,000 hot desk spaces will be provided under the Scheme, which is aimed at both existing hub users, as well as those accessing hub facilities for the first time.
Minister Humphreys also announced €5 million in funding, through the Connected Hubs 2022 Call, which will be used to build capacity and enhance existing Remote Working facilities.
Announcing the three initiatives at the Creative Spark Digital Hub in Dundalk, Ministers Humphreys said:
“As Minister for Rural and Community Development, I am serious about ensuring we don’t simply revert to the ‘old normal’ – the way of life we had before COVID-19. When I meet remote workers across the country, they tell me all about the benefits of spending a few days each week working from a digital hub in their local community. They talk about how their lives are improved now that they don’t have to embark on that early morning, gruelling commute to Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway or other urban centres.”
Some 81 projects across the country were successful in securing funding.
On top of these two initiatives, Minister Humphreys also today announced the provision of €50,000 in funding to each Local Authority under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
This will allow them to fund marketing campaigns and promote the remote working opportunities available in their areas.
Minister Humphreys also revealed today that the number of Remote Working facilities on the Connected Hubs Network has now reached 242.
This represents over 60% of the 400 hubs pledged as part of Our Rural Future, the Government’s landmark five year rural development policy.
