The Ballyhoura Centre in Kilfinane, along with projects in Croom, Galbally, Caherline and Cappamore will benefit from investment as part of the overall allocation of €8.8 million in funding under the government Connected Hubs Scheme. 

The connected Hubs network is a collection of working spaces across the country that is open to all existing and new hubs who wish to offer remote working services. 

Key elements of investment across the projects include:

• internal layout reorganisation, expansion, installation of data access control to allow for extended opening hours;
• Installation of security systems;
• audio visual facilities;
• energy efficiency upgrade;
• disability access upgrade;
• upgrade of meeting rooms;
• upgrade of external signage.  

All of the local projects will demonstrate how remote working, which is already in place albeit on a small scale, will be up scaled and developed. 

The Chairperson of Ballyhoura Development, Padraig Fitzgerald, welcomed the local investments and “recognised that local community based hubs as ideal to facilitate people to work remotely, develop a better work life balance, contribute to the local community, the local economy and make a positive impact on the environment’, adding that ‘rural towns and villages make for vibrant places to live and work’. 

Full details of the 117 projects approved for funding by the Minister under the Connected Hubs Scheme are available on: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/64df6-connected-hubs-fund/