The final touches are being added to a new remote working hub at Leghowney Community Hall at Barnesmore.
Even though the curtains closed at Leghowney Hall last March it didn’t mean that the Committee were not working hard in the background to meet the changing needs of the community.
The Committee at Leghowney Hall have been very busy over the last year constructing a new extension at the Hall to allow for more stage space but also to develop a remote working space.
Due to the Covid -19 Pandemic the needs of all our local communities changed and Leghowney got busy preparing to change with it.
Working closely with Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC), the committee had been awarded funding under the LEADER Rural Development Programme 2014 -2020. Firstly they were awarded €101,298.75 under Basic Services Targeted at Hard to Reach Communities in order to construct and extension to the existing facility and a subsequent further €10,000.00 to develop their new hub under the Broadband Theme.
Leghowney Community Hall
Donegal County Council had previously identified Leghowney Community Hall as a Broadband Connection Point (BCP), which is an early connection to the National Broadband Plan and provided a wireless 150mbs connection to the building. This includes external and internal infrastructure including a small cabinet with a power cable inside the building so that the router and power supply can be secured.
New working space at Leghowney Community Hall
Donegal County Council has also provided match funding for this element of the project. Other works included the purchase of computer equipment including a Laptop, software, Smart TV, printer/scanner, shredder and laminator and office equipment including cupboards, filing cabinets, chairs, tables, noticeboards, flipcharts, safe, files and white boards.
The aim of the project is to encourage people in the local area to work remotely in this fully kitted out workspace.
The group are now finalising their workstations to include screens and COVID compliancy along with kitchen facilities. The centre will also be able to run courses to upskill the local community in digital skills and meet the rising demands for fast broadband connections.
