Thirteen hubs across County Galway 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 of some €300,000 has been allocated to 65 hubs including Enterprise, R & D, Coworking, Scaling and Community hubs across the Atlantic Economic Corridor stretching from Donegal to Kerry.
The funding will help hubs implement social distancing guidelines, purchase necessary safety equipment, online meeting equipment, and support marketing of the hub network.
The Galway hubs to benefit are Galway Technology Centre; GMIT Innovation Hub; The Portershed; SCCUL Enterprise Centre; Westside Resource Centre; Beechtree Enterprise Centre, Tuam; Bia Innovator Campus; Burren Enterprise Centre, Kinvara; Clonberne Community Enterprise Centre; gteic@AnSpidéal; gteic@NaForbacha; Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre; and The Hub at Moyne Villa.
Speaking on the funding, chief executive of the Galway County Council, Kevin Kelly said; "The importance of safe and connected remote working and enterprise spaces has only been amplified in recent months. Galway County Council welcomes the Hub Outreach Scheme allocation for hubs across the county.
"This funding provides a much-needed boost for hubs that have suffered as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic."
The Atlantic Economic Corridor Hub Network Project will soon launch an online booking system for all hubs in the region alongside a new marketing campaign to help drive awareness and increase use across County Galway.
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.”
