Gréasán Gteic/Digiteach na Gaeltachta/The Gaeltacht Gteic Digital Network
About this good practice
As part of their strategic plan 2018 – 2020, Údarás na Gaeltachta embarked on an plan to develop a network of 31 digital hubs throughout the Gaeltacht regions that provides high quality workspaces with high-speed broadband. The gteic network provides a creative and innovative environment to support the creation of employment in sectors such as Technology, MedTech, Digital and Creative. The gteic network is also an key enabler of remote working.
Since 2018, the total hubs in the gteic network has grown to 27 hubs throughout five different counties in Ireland. The size of each hub depends on the region in which it is based, ranging from 300+ workspaces in higher populated areas to 5 seat hubs in rural communities.
The network attracts employers, employees and remote workers by providing a range of essential offerings required in a dynamic work environment. As well as workspaces and broadband, the network continuously organises networking events, workshops, training programmes and mentoring for hubs members.
The gteic network provides opportunities to entrepreneurs and companies to develop and succeed through supports provided by the hubs. It also enables the diaspora to return to the Gaeltacht to remote work or to establish their own business. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the gteic network has provided an environment to remote work, resulting in members of the diaspora returning to the region to access high quality job positions globally.
Resources needed
Funding was provided by Údarás as well as capital expenditure programmes funded by Department of Rural and Community Development and other sources. Resources to develop the network comes form a wide variety of contributors. It is difficult to assess the level of resources /investment to date.
Evidence of success
The gteic network provides over 840 workspaces to the Gaeltacht regions. Occupancy rate vary from 52% to over 60% in the summer months, during which tourists and the holidaying diaspora increase workspace usage.
At the end of 2022, over 130 companies were based in the network, with 441 people working from the hubs, including 69 remote workers.
The gteic network provides the region access to foreign direct investment, inward investment and to a range of global remote working opportunities.
Potential for learning or transfer
Remote working.
The development of a digital hub network in a region provides a work environment to someone from the region who wants to remote work but not from their home. Workshops, training, and mentoring provided by the digital provides opportunities to network and encourages personal development.
Promotion of Innovation and Creativity:
Programmes provided by the gteic hub network supports and inspires entrepreneurs to create products and services, and to develop their own business.
Attraction of Investment.
Through utilising the gteic network, companies have invested in operating in more rural locations to access the talent available outside of densely populated areas.
Returning Diaspora
The gteic network is attractive to the diaspora who are seeking a move home. The development of a digital hub network enables people to return to their native region to remote work where it may not have been previously possible.
Further information
Images
