The benefits of working from home, and remote working, have become obvious throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, but it has also highlighted the need for working hubs and high-speed broadband connections.
This is the view of Fine Gael Senator Seán Kyne, who said the Government has made the correct decision to “press ahead” with the National Broadband Plan and State Aid investment for the provision of high-speed broadband connections.
Legislation allowing employees to request working from home, and supporting remote working, is due in the autumn. For Sen Kyne, the benefits of working from home are multifaceted.
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“The benefits are all evident,” he said, “including reduced time lost to commuting, additional time with family or recreation, as well as reduced costs and carbon footprints. There has also been an increase in interest in moving back to rural areas due to the increase in remote working. This will give a further boost to rural communities.”
Getting Galway connected
Sen Kyne said two developments are now necessary to make sure the Government’s policy becomes a reality – working hubs and high-speed broadband connections.”
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National Broadband Ireland is currently in the ‘network build’ phase in County Galway, including areas of Moycullen, Annaghdown, Barna, Boleybeg, Carnmore, Castlegar, Clarinbridge, Corcullen, Corrandulla, Drum, Furbo, Oranmore, Rahoon, and Rosshill.
'I look forward to supporting the legislation that will underpin our first Remote Working Strategy in the coming months' - Sen Seán Kyne
NBI has confirmed that more than 3,500 households, businesses, and farms will be connected from May to July. It is expected these connections will be “transformative for remote working, studying, and education, accessing services, as well as for leisure,” according to Sen Kyne.
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He also commended the work of Údarás Na Gaeltachta, which has spearheaded Gteics – a network of digital hubs around Gaeltacht regions including An Spidéal, An Ceathrú Rua, Carna and Na Forbacha.
“The Gteic hubs and other centres, such as the PorterShed and the Galway Technology Centre, are important regional hubs not only for local entrepreneurs, business-owners and workers but also for attracting investment and employment into our region. I look forward to supporting the legislation that will underpin our first Remote Working Strategy in the coming months.”
