Funding helps six Mayo enterprise hubs reopen safely
SIX hubs across Co. Mayo have received funding to support their reopening in compliance with public health guidelines as the economy recovers from the impact of Covid-19.
The investment has been made by the Department of Rural and Community Development as part of the Atlantic Economic Corridor Enterprise Hub Network project.
Some €300,000 has been allocated to 65 hubs, including enterprise, R & D, co-working, scaling and community hubs across the Atlantic Economic Corridor, stretching from Donegal to Kerry. The funding has helped hubs implement social distancing guidelines, purchase necessary safety equipment, online meeting equipment and support marketing of the hub network.
In Mayo, support has been given to Cairn Enterprise Hub, Kiltimagh, Gteic Belmullet, Gteic Eachléim, Innovation Hub GMIT, Knockmore Centre and the Leeson Centre in Westport. The Western Development Commission, working with Mary Wrafter, the Atlantic Economic Corridor officer in Mayo, managed the delivery of the scheme on behalf of the Department or Rural and Community Development.
Enterprise hubs programme manager at the Western Development Commission, Stephen Carolan, said: “ These hubs are a crucial asset for supporting those who want to continue to work remotely outside of their home setting. The hubs will play a critical role in rural and regional areas in the months and years ahead, allowing skilled workers to work close to where they live, driving sustainable economic activity and building communities.”
Said Peter Duggan, acting chief executive, Mayo County Council: “I am delighted that a range of enterprise hubs in Mayo have been successful in securing funding under the Hub Outreach Scheme 2020. It is particularly timely and provides financial support to enterprise hubs to allow them to comply with the return to work safely protocol and various Covid-19 guidelines covering measures such as sanitising equipment, signage, floor markings, screens, IT equipment, professional services, etc. Operating in a safe manner is critically important and this scheme provides support to do so.
“It is essential that the infrastructure to enable remote working is developed throughout the County and Mayo County Council looks forward to continuing to work with the Department Rural and Community Development and the Western Development Commission in this regard.”
The Atlantic Economic Corridor Hub Network Project will soon launch an online booking system for all digital hubs in the region alongside a new marketing campaign to help drive awareness and increase use across Mayo.