Written answers

Wednesday, 2 February 2022

Department of Rural and Community Development

Flexible Work Practices

Photo of Pádraig O'SullivanPádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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170. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there will be additional grants for remote working hubs similar to the connected hubs scheme in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5278/22]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Our Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, recognises the potential of remote working hubs as key economic assets for our rural towns and villages. Notwithstanding the clear benefits to individuals and families in terms of quality of life indicators, remote working from hubs will also support local economies, reduce carbon emissions and may arrest or reverse the depopulation of certain areas.

My Department operates a number of funding schemes that focus on projects supporting remote working through the development of hubs and Broadband Connection Points as long-term, digitally-enabled community assets. To date, my Department has awarded approximately €100 million to projects involved in developing remote working facilities under programmes such as the Rural Regeneration Development Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Last year, I awarded almost €9 million in funding through the Connected Hubs Call to applicants across all regions.  This funding allowed for the expansion of existing hub facilities and remote working infrastructure in digital hubs throughout the country.

The development of a national hubs network is a key commitment in Our Rural Future and I am committed to continuing my Department's support for the strategic development of remote working hubs in recognition of the vital role that they can play in our post-Covid recovery.

I am currently reviewing all my Department’s funding streams and I will make an announcement shortly on the plans for 2022.

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