Major campaign to promote 45 Connected Hubs in Mayo

A REMOTE working conference held in Westport has highlighted the county’s standing as an optimal location for remote work.

Joanne Grehan, director of services with Mayo County Council, extolled the virtues of Mayo as not just a place to reside but a haven for remote professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Grehan highlighted the recent nod for Castlebar and Ballina as the top contenders for remote work in Ireland, attributing their appeal to conducive environments for remote employment.

Westport was also singled out as the prime destination for living, with its blend of scenic beauty and conducive workspaces.

Additionally, north Mayo was lauded as an adventurer’s paradise, perfect for exploration and immersion in nature.

The conference shed light on the exponential growth of remote working hubs, a trend catalysed by the pandemic-induced lockdowns of 2020-2022.

Many professionals have been drawn to the west of Ireland, enticed by the promise of remote work and the quality of life it affords.

However, concerns were raised regarding the fees imposed by the council on formerly derelict commercial sites housing remote workers.

Alma Gallagher, a local election candidate for Fine Gael in Claremorris, spoke about the necessity for local authorities to consider rate exemptions for digital hubs in Mayo.

Gallagher, who has been instrumental in establishing hubs in the south Mayo town, stressed the pivotal role of such exemptions in supporting the burgeoning remote work infrastructure.

Stephen Carolan, head of Mayo county’s digital connected hubs platform and a Belmullet native, echoed Gallagher’s sentiments.

He agreed on the need for dialogue with councils to relax rates for remote working hubs, as their potential to revitalise derelict sites in town centres and villages across the county.

Carolan and Gallagher highlighted the economic and communal benefits of such initiatives, but reminded the audience of the huge infrastructural cost in setting up a connected hub. Computers, wifi, furniture and renovations often mean costs run above €100,000 and an exemption from rates would help in supporting hubs into the future.

The Leeson Enterprise Centre in Westport hosted what was the first ever open day to promote remote and hybrid working in Mayo.

Councillor Michael Loftus, cathaoirleach, Mayo County Council, officially started the proceedings, detailing the significance of centres such as the Leeson Enterprise Centre and the ATU iHub Mayo, Castlebar, and how they can support remote and hybrid work.

Councillor Loftus was followed by Instagram cookery star Sarah Butler from Castlebar, who told how she used her business skills to move from a highly successful wedding stationery business, which collapsed during the pandemic, to her new role as celebrity chef, author of three cookbooks, influencer and broadcaster.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was the most searched word on Google in 2023.

Award-winning marketing coach Muireann Fitzmaurice gave a talk on Marketing and AI – what is artificial intelligence and how does AI work for your business.

A panel discussion chaired by Louise McDonnell, social media strategist and coach, explored how start-ups, business people and community groups can use traditional and social media to expand their network, increase sales and market share and develop new ways of working.

To help mark the promotion, Newstalk presenter Bobby Kerr broadcast his weekend Business Show from ATU iHub Mayo, Castlebar, featuring a wide range of guests.

The provision of remote working hubs provides increased infrastructure to new business start-ups, existing enterprises, remote workers, creative media professionals and community organisations around Ireland.

These connected hubs provide hi-speed broadband, technical equipment and meeting and conference rooms to service new enterprises, existing business, students and community groups.

Hot desks can be booked by the day from as little as €15, or by the week or as needed.

No lease or contract is required which is extremely beneficial for start-ups.

Networking is a significant part of remote working; each connected hub offers a shared kitchen facility with free tea, coffee and drinking water, and cleaning, light, heating and security costs are included in the daily rate so businesses can minimise hidden costs associated with renting or leasing traditional office space.

(Working remotely has been proven to be effective and was a necessity for business and employees during the pandemic. The nature of work is changing, and the option for many to avoid the commute, save travel time and improve family and individual well-being can now be supported by access to the facilities in County Mayo.

Connected hubs were developed as part of the government’s ongoing commitment to sustainable economic development and growth nationwide. The new facilities and services launched today expand on its core mission.

The funding for the new facilities was provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development under its Connected Hubs Programme.

The National Connected Hubs Network is a network of remote working shared spaces which has been developed with support from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Connected hubs have enhanced environmental sustainability by installation of solar power and strengthening of local economies through the retention of workers and spending power locally.

The consequent reduction in commute to work also helps tackle climate change, reduces travel gridlocks, while also improving individual and family well-being by reducing the time, stress and productivity lost in travelling daily to a workplace distanced from the home.)