Minister performs official opening of Swinford Digiwest Hub
The newly-refurbished Swinford Courthouse, designated as one of the Digiwest Hubs, has been officially opened today by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.
The Digiwest project is an excellent example of regional collaboration where four Local Authorities, working with the Western Development Commission (WDC) and the Department of Rural and Community Development will be enabling and supporting communities to work in the digital economy.
The Western Development Commission, in association with Roscommon, Donegal, Mayo and Sligo Local Authorities was awarded funding under the Department of Rural and Community Development Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) as part of Project Ireland 2040, to part fund the establishment of these hubs.
The aim of this hub is to provide a resource to local entrepreneurs, workers, and communities in providing workspace with high-speed telecommunications capacity.
Office spaces available include two-desk, three-desk and four-desk options.
There is also the added use of a kitchenette, common room, and a small meeting room, with a larger conferencing room available.
Speaking at the event, Minister Humphreys stated: “Remote Working is a key commitment of ‘Our Rural Future’, the most ambitious policy for Rural Ireland in decades.
“Today, we are demonstrating the action behind that policy through the launch of Connected Hubs.
“Hub working can support the development of employment opportunities and career paths in rural areas.
"This will help to give young people the choice to stay closer to home while pursuing their careers and also to encourage people living in cities to consider moving to a more rural location.
“Throughout this pandemic, so many of us have experienced the benefits of remote working – reduced commutes, more time spent with your family, increased footfall in towns, a lower carbon footprint.
“As we look to the reopening of our country, I am determined that we make remote working a permanent and viable reality for thousands of people.
“The Connected Hubs Network provides the perfect opportunity for workers and employers to embrace a ‘blended working’ model, and to find the balance of hub, home and office working that works best for them.”
The cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Richard Finn, outlined: “The opening today marks an exciting new chapter for an historically important building.
"This fine courthouse building is now remodelled as a digital hub and has been fitted out as a resource for local entrepreneurs, remote workers, and for the local community.
"Connectivity is the single most important piece of infrastructure for today’s society and economy and this building is provided with ultra-fast telecommunications capacity.”
The chief executive of the council, Kevin Kelly, at Mayo County Council welcomed the formal opening.
He said: “This project shows collaboration at its best, with local authorities working with regional and national bodies to drive regeneration and sustainability.
"I acknowledge all parties that have been involved in bringing this project to fruition.
"It is only by working together that we can secure the future of our smaller towns, villages and communities."