Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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992. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the Digital Hub Development Agency property portfolio has been enhanced arising from its collaboration with a company (details supplied); if he will report on progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20600/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) is the State agency dedicated to creating an international centre of innovative, technology-based enterprise in the Liberties area of Dublin 8. Its property portfolio comprises circa 9 acres, on which it has over 100,000 sq. feet of commercial office space, as well as a number of derelict, protected buildings fronting onto several streets in this historic area. Currently, it is home to some 86 digital enterprises, employing more than 930 people.

The DHDA's property portfolio has been significantly enhanced as a result of the strategic partnership arrangement between DHDA and Knightsbridge Student Housing Ltd (KSH), entered into in March 2014. Under this agreement, the DHDA’s derelict 19th century Grainstore building has been refurbished by KSH, to provide the Digital Hub with an additional 10,650 square feet of enterprise office. The DHDA is now undertaking the fit-out of the building to office standard, with a view to the first tenants occupying the building this autumn. This expansion in its office capacity will allow the DHDA to continue to grow its enterprise cluster, while contributing to the economic sustainability and regeneration of the Liberties area.

The arrangement will also see KSH develop high quality student accommodation on an acre site, formerly part of the Digital Hub campus. Construction work on this 500-bed student accommodation development is on target for completion in September 2016.

I am pleased to say that this strategic partnership is delivering a quantum of office space for the Digital Hub, and in turn will bring new activity and renewed energy of both young students and digital entrepreneurs to the area.