Government announces €8.8 million for remote working hubs
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced €8.8 million in funding to enable the expansion of remote working hubs under the Connected Hubs Scheme. "This investment is a major step forward in developing our national network of over 400 hubs", she emphasized. Regarding Donegal's achievements, €551,323 funding has been secured as follows:
Donegal County Council
250,000.00€ funding. This project will extend the capacity and the sustainability of the Broadband Connection Points (BCP) network in MalinBeg, Leghowey, Ray, Carrigart, Tory Island and Croaglin. The investment will enhance the value of the hub to both the local economy and the local community and will make a significant contribution to the region for a place to live, work and invest in. This proposal will range from building refurbishments works to ICT hardware and furniture to maximise the use of the high speed BCPs.
Mevagh Family Resource Centre
24,080.43€ funding. This facility has offered hot-desking service since 2006. The proposed works will update and brighten the space, making it a more professional work space and more comfortable to work in. Proposal includes upgrades to lighting, furniture and dividers, ventilation and sound proof booth.
The BASE Enterprise Centre
67,100.68€ funding. The BASE will extend and upgrade the range of facilities and services they offer and bring them in line with the expectations of remote workers with the aim of supporting the goal of Balanced Regional Development. This proposal will expand existing remote working infrastructure, IT Network upgrades, Signage upgrades and access control systems.
gTeic @ Cill Charthaigh
15,142.50€ funding. This proposal will improve the quality and effectiveness of the existing hub offering by improving the remote working offering in the building. It will completely change the existing room, to remove 4 of the bulky long-term desks and replace them with two privacy pods and 6 co-working desks. This increases the capacity of the area while also providing two privacy booths (one booth which will host a two-person meeting and another booth which accommodates 1 person). It is also planned to change the entrance door to the room to a full glass door with a full window panel in the frame to make the space open and visible and attractive to passing users. The area will also be brightened up to become a more creative space with new flooring, modern furniture and brighter colours.
The Business Hub
75,000.00€. This project will expand capacity by fitting out unit (291 sq m) to add 3 large offices, 3 small offices, meeting room, and other supporting utilities and amenities, storage room, canteen, toilets, tea / coffee station and printing station. By doing this, it can help keep people in the community, who would otherwise be travelling to the larger cities to work.
Cowork Plus An Tearmann
45,000.00€ funding. This project will enhance remote working infrastructure at existing hub through the addition of three office spaces and large shared spaces. Funding provided will also allow for a new central air system and the requisite upgrade to facilities to allow for this.
Spraoi agus Spórt
75,000.00€ funding. This project aims modernise the current co-working space and double the co-working capacity. Works planned include energy upgrades, door upgrades, flooring, ventilation, room reconfiguration and office furniture.
