Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which the digital hub has developed with particular reference to its benefit to the region; the extent to which its objectives have been achieved to date; if targets met are in line with the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13842/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Digital Hub Development Agency Act 2003, the primary function of the digital hub is to procure and secure the provision of and to promote and facilitate the development of the digital hub as a location for digital enterprises and related activities.

The digital hub project, managed by the independent Digital Hub Development Agency, has been and will continue to be successful in developing a digital industry cluster, as well as in regenerating an historic community area in the heart of Dublin by operating a number of significant community and educational initiatives as part of its role in the digital hub district.

In November 2005, the Minister announced the acceptance of tenders for two sites in the digital hub, with a combined area of almost 5.6 acres for approximately €118 million. In return for the land, the State will receive a combination of €72.4 million in cash and €45.7 million in high quality offices, which is equivalent to over 13,000 m2 of office space that will accommodate digital enterprises as the digital hub grows.

The digital hub has engaged with local community interests on the project from the very beginning. The consultation takes place through the unique community, public, private partnership, CPPP, process, which is chaired by DHDA board member Peter Cassells. As a result of the consultation, the two private developers are required under the terms of the development contract to engage with the local community through the CPPP process.

Regarding industry development, the agency has been successful to date in growing the cluster with about 50 companies now employing approximately 500 employees in the hub. These enterprises are involved in a range of activities including games software development, mobile technology, animation and TV production.

With regard to the social and community development remit of the hub, the agency has operated the Liberties learning initiative, which uses technology to tackle social and educational disadvantage in the area. Supported by funding from Diageo Ireland, the programme delivers a range of learning and showcasing projects focused on the creative use of digital media and reflects the national priorities of building a knowledge-based society and addressing the digital divide.

In addition, the schools programme of the Liberties learning initiative has developed a range of programmes in 16 local primary and second level schools aimed at addressing the digital divide. The schools programme aims to equip local children with the skills needed to live in a digital age, and to work in the digital media industry, which will be located on their doorstep.