A €300,000 fund has been announced for enterprise hubs along the Atlantic Economic Corridor to reopen safely during COVID-19.
Hubs from Donegal to Kerry will be supported with grants of up to €5,000 to implement measures to reopen in compliance with public health guidelines.
The investment will be made by the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Western Development Commission as part of the Atlantic Economic Corridor Enterprise Hub Network project. Funding of up to €5,000 will be provided in grant aid to successful applicants.
Making the announcement, Sean Canney T.D., Minister of State for Community Development, Natural Resources and Digital Development said: “As we reopen our economy and adjust to the new challenges brought about by COVID-19, it is important that we help people to return to work in a safe environment. With over 100 hubs along the Atlantic Economic Corridor region from Kerry to Donegal, the AEC Enterprise Hub Network can play an important role in the economic recovery of the region by supporting remote working, community enterprises and the development of ‘second sites’ in the region for businesses.
“However, many hubs face significant challenges in reopening under the current conditions. The investment I am announcing today will support hubs to manage this process by helping them to adapt their premises to comply with public health and social distancing guidelines. In addition, the provision of other supports by the Western Development Commission, such as the development of a shared on-line booking system for workers wishing to use the hubs, will further help the hubs to safely manage the services they provide as the country moves through the Roadmap for Reopening Society and the Economy.”
