Service
Connected Hubs Fund
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
Our Rural Future recognises the opportunity that remote working presents for rural rejuvenation and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated national network of remote working hubs.
Remote working hubs provide an opportunity for people to continue to live in rural communities while following their career ambitions, supporting the retention of skilled people in rural communities and attracting mobile talent to rural areas. They can reduce commuting time, while lowering transport emissions, providing a better work-life balance and improved quality of life.
In 2021 the Connected Hubs platform was launched, a shared online booking and payments platform for remote working hubs and their users. An interactive map on the platform shows the location and details of each remote working hub on the network and allows remote workers to book and pay for desks and meeting rooms.
In 2021, for the first time the Rural Development Investment Programme’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme included a Connected Hubs Call in support of the National Hub Network initiative. The overall aim of the fund was to enable successful applicants develop and leverage the capacity and quality of Ireland's existing remote working infrastructure across the country.
In 2021 almost €9 million in Connected Hubs funding was awarded to 118 successful applicants. A further €5 million in Connected Hubs 2022 funding was allocated to 81 successful applicants across the country.
Further information on funding allocations can be found here: Connected Hubs Fund - Funding Allocated