Series of major initiatives to support remote working in Mayo

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys has announced new initiatives that will support remote working across the country.

Welcoming the news, Mayo Deputy Alan Dillon said: “For the first time, workers will now be able to book office or desk space in their local hub through a new mobile app called Connected Hubs.

"Minister Humphreys also announced €5 million in funding, through the Connected Hubs 2022 Call, which will be used to build capacity and enhance existing remote working facilities.

"These initiatives will be underpinned by a major new national awareness campaign, designed to promote the many benefits of choosing your local hub for your working day."

The awareness campaign will be run by the Department of Rural and Community Development with the support of the Western Development Commission (WDC).

The following hubs are available in County Mayo to connect through the Connected Hubs to date:

•Ihub Mayo, GMIT Innovation Hub

•Knockmore Rathduff Recreation and Recourse Centre

•The Courthouse, Swinford DigiWest.

Deputy Dillon added: “Connected Hubs mobile app will enable workers to book their desk space in their local hub with ease, today represents the next chapter in our remote working journey and it also demonstrates how we are putting ‘Our Rural Future’ into action.

"The benefits of remote working are huge, less time spent commuting and a lower carbon footprint. More time spent with family and friends. But above all – a better quality of life."

In a statement, Senator Lisa Chambers said: “The new Connected Hubs mobile app will enable workers to book their desk space in their local hub with ease.

"Numerous hubs throughout Mayo are available in the app to book and I hope in time further locations will be added to the app."