A one million euro fund has been announced to create a network of Enterprise Hubs and Digital Spaces from Co Donegal to Co Kerry.
The fund is part of a new strategy to invest in tech, connect digital working hubs, and promote the quality of life in the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) on the West Coast of Ireland.
Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Seán Canney TD, has announced the €1 million funding today, which is intended to link economic hubs and catchments of the region.
Speaking at the launch of the Western Development Commission’s (WDC) new five year Strategic Plan ‘Work Smarter, Live Better’ in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, Minister Canney said:
“Through Project Ireland 2040, the Government has set out targets for regional population and jobs growth to ensure that our national development is more evenly balanced throughout the country.
“The €1 million in funding which I am announcing today for a network of enterprise hubs and digital working spaces along the Atlantic Economic Corridor will help to drive economic development and contribute to our regional development goals. The initiative will help to attract more people and more investment to the western part of Ireland, which is a vibrant area of innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as being a great place to live.”
The €1 million in funding for the Hub Network is in addition to additional funding of €500,000 received by the Western Development Commission to enhance their capacity to support innovative and strategic regional development initiatives in the West.