Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I imagine there will be a considerable degree of agreement on the issue of remote working hubs. Remote working is a game changer. While it will suit certain people to work from home and everyone is now talking about hybrid working, which might be the best of both worlds, I would also use that phrase in regard to remote working hubs. An example is Creative Spark Downtown in Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, where the benefits of a workplace can be seen without necessarily the need to undergo long commutes, as might be the case where a business is based in Dublin or further afield. That is vital. I have recently had phone calls relating to the connected hubs funding call and people have expressed interest. We need to ensure the correct funding mechanism are in place in order that we can deliver this scheme where it is needed. It will be a lifeline for small towns, in particular, and even for larger towns such as Dundalk. We have a big issue with vacant sites. They could be used as hubs but, of course, we will also have to consider the wider issue of housing.

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