Connected Hubs
About this good practice
In response to the changing landscape of work triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Irish government introduced a groundbreaking initiative known as ConnectedHubs.ie. This practice emerged in the context of "Our Rural Future," a comprehensive policy spearheaded by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD.
ConnectedHubs.ie was designed to create a national network of remote working hubs.
The primary problem it addressed was the need to make remote working a viable and sustainable option throughout rural Ireland. The practice involved the identification and mapping of approximately 400 remote working hubs across Ireland. These hubs were then invited to join the Connected Hubs Network, which provides shared infrastructure and resources.
One of the central features of the initiative was the development of an online platform, ConnectedHubs.ie, which served as a central hub directory. This platform allowed remote workers to easily locate and access hubs across the country through an online map. ConnectedHubs.ie encouraged hub managers to become members, offering access to various resources and supports.
The main stakeholders of the Connected Hubs Network included the Department of Rural and Community Development, local hub managers, remote workers, and the Irish public. Increased remote working could lead to reduced congestion in urban areas, lower carbon emissions, and revitalized town centres as people spent more time in their local communities.
Resources needed
Funding for the project was provided by the Department of Rural & Community Development. A dedicated 5-person team runs the project and is employed by the Western Development Commission. Funding for the project is currently ongoing.
Evidence of success
- 321 hubs on the platform
- Significant bookings taking place through the platform
- Development of collegiality and cohesion among the sector
- National Hub Summit 2022
- Extensive publicity & exposure individual hubs and the platform/network
- Occupancy rate of circa 75 per cent now achieved
- National Hub Voucher Scheme Phase 1 – 3315 vouchers; Phase 2 – 4532 vouchers
- Development of complementary initiatives e.g., Learning in the Hubs, Art in the Hubs, local digitisation initiatives etc.
Potential for learning or transfer
This practice could be of benefit to other regions in the following ways:
1. How to develop a regional or national network and platform
2. How to build collegiality and cohesion among your network
3. How to build awareness of what might otherwise be a disparate sector
4. The use of voucher schemes and other initiatives to promote the sector
5. How to develop hubs as delivery vehicles for other initiatives – e.g., digitisation, climate change measures, art promotion, third-level and lifelong learning – in local areas, including those located far away from major centres of population
6. Development of remote working environments throughout a region or country
