Cavan Digital Hub, which has just celebrated three years of operation, will be among hubs that will benefit from new initiatives aimed at making remote working more accessible in rural areas.

The Connected Hubs Voucher Scheme will give remote workers free use of their local digital hub. At least 10,000 hot desk spaces will be provided for existing hub users, as well as those accessing hub facilities for the first time.

It’s good news for those like the Cavan hub, which has increased its clientele over its three years and boosted desk occupancy from 19 to 75.

Its members include start-up companies, SMEs, and IDA-backed US analytics and communications firm, PublicRelay, which has expanded from two to 24 staff and is expanding into the top floor suite, while sport and social membership app company, ClubSpot, has grown from one to six staff.

Hub manager Leanne Connell said: "We have created a fantastic digital eco-system, community and hotbed for fledging start-ups and entrepreneurs in Cavan and the region.

In Association with

"We are proud and privileged to have such great members and we watch with pride as they grow and go on this journey with us.”

The Cavan hub also provides meeting and off-site spaces for local industry.

"Cavan Digital Hub is not just about supporting the members that we have here in the building. This digital ecosystem also has a positive knock-on effect on the local economy through supporting jobs, families, communities and enabling collaboration with local and regional suppliers, partners, and Cavan-based companies,” said hub chairperson Brendan Jennings.

The number of remote working facilities on the Connected Hubs network has now reached 242. Vouchers will be applied to all registered users in the coming weeks.
 
There is also €50,000 in funding available to each local authority under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme to allow them to fund marketing campaigns and promote remote working opportunities in their areas.

The Connected Hubs 2022 call has already made €5m in funding available, which will be used to build capacity and enhance 81 existing facilities.