Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On Monday I attended the launch of the Western Development Commission's strategy. A lot of work is being done by the commission to promote the economic and social development of the western region. It launched a five-year strategy entitled, Work Smarter, Live Better. Much of the strategy centres on the promotion of enterprise hubs. A sum of €1 million is being provided from the Dormant Accounts Fund to support the further development of enterprise hubs, promote remote working, provide hot desk facilities and, overall, support people in returning to live in the region and enjoy the very good quality of life it offers. I am aware of a number of enterprise hubs in the region which are not being utilised to maximum potential. I specifically reference the enterprise hub in Ballinasloe where the Western Development Commission launch took place. The first client entered into a lease agreement to occupy a space there, but there is much greater potential. The Western Development Commission has identified 72 hubs across the region and there is a need for a structured policy to ensure enterprise hubs will be used to maximum potential, that companies will be aware of their existence and that the utmost will be done to support those who want to work remotely. We are all aware of the debate taking place on the roll-out of broadband in rural areas and that people do not have access to it, but they can access an enterprise hub or a hot desk facility within the region. The Government must do a lot of work in conjunction with the Western Development Commission in that regard.