Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Living towns and the hubs to which the Deputy has referred will be key elements and tenets of what we do as we assess what will assist workers and communities and as we develop a sustainable model to grow our towns. We have had a number of bilateral engagements with the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Humphreys, and her Department with a view to expanding the network of remote working hubs. As the Deputy referenced, a number have already been established. I understand that the Minister has put a call out for another round, which will allow for more hubs. It is very important that we offer viable opportunities for communities to ensure that they have the capacity to engage in remote working. We must also ensure that they have broadband and any other key elements required to carry out their functions as vibrant communities. These issues will be studied. As I referenced in my initial response, we have had a pilot programme with respect to six towns at which we have looked before. We have learned from that and will be formulating a proposal for the Government halfway through this year.

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