€200,000 in funding will be made available to projects across Laois under the Connected Hubs Scheme.
The Connected Hubs Scheme is a key deliverable of Our Rural Future, which was launched earlier this year.
In Laois, Bloom HQ is to receive €25,426. This money will provide the space for a community education programme that will start at second level through a community grinds scheme and develops into a mentorship programme for third level.
Vicarstown Community Centre is to receive €34,470 and this investment will represent addition in remote working capacity for the region.
Portlaoise Enterprise Centre is go get €55,000 to upgrade lighting and existing windows. Installation of LED external signage and energy efficiency measures.
P.E.C Innovation Hub in Portarlington was awarded €67,500.
This project will extend the capacity and the sustainability of the hub. Implementation of a multi-functional technical space which involves a suite of laptops and headsets and a 70″ interactive screen.
Laois TD Charlie Flanagan welcomed the announcement.
He said: “I am pleased that seven projects across Laois/Offaly have been approved funding under the Connected Hubs Scheme.
“Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been an increased shift to remote working, and this has provided an opportunity to support a better work life balance for many people.
“Almost 400 remote working hubs have been already identified and mapped on connectedhubs.ie.
“Families and communities are seeing the benefits of flexible and remote working and I am sure that the network of working hubs will continue to grow and develop over the coming months.”
While Portarlington TD Cathal Berry said: “Good news today for Portarlington Enterprise Centre as they are set to receive €67,500 in funding under the Connected Hubs Scheme.
“I really welcome this additional funding for digital hubs across Regional and Rural Ireland.
“Investing in our national digital hub network is vital so that people can work and learn effectively near their homes thereby reducing their cost of living and carbon emissions, while simultaneously improving their quality of life. This investment is so important for commuter counties like Laois and Offaly.
“I look forward to more announcements like this in the future as we build back better.”
