Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has in mind proposals to further enhance the development of the Digital Hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20760/06]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the costs to date associated with the Digital Hub; the likely ongoing costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20758/06]

Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the investment to date in the Digital Hub; the degree to which original targets have been realised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20761/06]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he or his Department have evaluated the economic impact and benefit of the Digital Hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20759/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 108, 117, 169 and 176 together.

Expenditure at the Digital Hub since 2000 is approximately €127.3 million to date. This includes a €76 million investment in property and infrastructure as well as €51.3 million in operational costs. The 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.

During 2005 my Department provided €3.35 million to the Digital Hub Development Agency. Future costs will continue to be kept under review by the Department. The Digital Hub's primary function is to 'procure, secure the provision of and to promote and facilitate the development, including the carrying out of construction or maintenance works, of the digital hub as a location for digital enterprises and related activities'. On 5th October 2005, the Agency announced a competition to develop land in the Digital Hub. This land is to be developed as a mixture of residential, commercial and retail properties, in addition to public spaces. The private developers competed on the basis of bids of cash plus office space.

On 22nd November 2005, I announced the acceptance of tenders for two sites, 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 will accommodate digital enterprises as the Digital Hub grows. The break down of the tenders means that the Digital Hub will receive over 13,000 square metres (140,000 sq.ft.) of office space.

In relation to 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. The Digital Hub has engaged with local community interests on the project from the very beginning and continues to do so on an ongoing basis.