€1m. for enterprise hubs and digital spaces

FUNDING of €1 million is being made available to create a network of enterprise hubs and digital spaces along the western seaboard, from Kerry to Donegal, including Mayo.

This area forms the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) region which combines the economic hubs and catchments of the region to attract investment, support job creation and improve the quality of life for those who live there.

The funding is from the Rural Regeneration Fund, under Minister Michael Ring's department, and he explained: “This €1 million will support a network of enterprise hubs and digital working spaces along the Atlantic Economic Corridor.

“The investment complements previous significant investments in enterprise and digital hubs in Mayo through my department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Last November, I allocated €795,000 to support enterprise hubs in Belmullet, Geesala, Aughleam, Achill and Tourmakeady which will contribute to the delivery of jobs and enterprise growth in these rural areas.

“In February, I allocated support for a digital working hub in Swinford which will be delivered by the Western Development Commission along with three other hubs in the northwest as part of a €644,000 investment.

“The initiative being announced this week will allow existing and emerging hubs to work together to form a collaborative network, with the assistance of the Western Development Commission. It will support business development, job creation and economic growth in the AEC region and will have tremendous benefits for people who want to live and work in the west of Ireland.

“Ultimately, it 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 Western Development Commission has been asked to take the lead in developing the hub network.