Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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285. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a tech hub in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4148/21]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by Údarás na Gaeltachta that the proposed gteic@Baile an Sceilg will comprise of a 567 m2 development on the existing Údarás na Gaeltachta estate on the outskirts of Dún Géagáin, Baile an Sceilg, Co Chiarraí.

This is one of 30 hubs being developed by Údarás na Gaeltacht across the Gaeltacht nationally. The facility will be constructed to NZEB standard, with LEEN certification, incorporating long-term energy efficiency and carbon reduction capacity, and the project will incorporate the upgrading of the waste water treatment system on the site to service the entire estate.

Planning permission has been sought from Kerry County Council for this development. The decision to grant permission has been made and, in compliance with planning and development regulations, a final notice of decision is expected from the local authority in mid-February.

Gteic@Baile an Sceilg will provide work space for approx. 50 people when completed and represents a critical development in further supporting enterprise and employment development opportunities in the Uíbh Ráthach Gaeltacht. Facilities at the gteic will include fixed line fibre broadband, up to date technologies and IT platforms, space for training programmes with a focus on enterprise, upskilling, rural development and local capability development, and the development will be enabled appropriately to facilitate virtual conferencing as well as safe physical gatherings.

The development of the hub aligns with the key objectives of the of Tascfhórsa Idirghníomhaireachta Uíbh Ráthaigh - a collaboration of state, educational and community organisations - established in 2017 in response to socio-economic and demographic challenges in Gaeltacht Uíbh Ráthaigh and being spearheaded by Údarás.

In a broader context, the Deputy may be interested to note that a lack of space suitable for enterprise establishment and location in the area has been identified by the Tascfhórsa as a limiting factor to economic growth and population rejuvenation in the area. In order to address this, an invitation to the public to register potentially suitable work spaces with the Tascfhórsa was launched in March 2020 but had limited success with only seven responses received to date. While property registered under the initiative included warehouse and light industrial space in addition to potential office accommodation, it is understood that many of the properties would need substantial renovation.