Last week, a Government-backed voucher scheme to promote hot-desking was rolled out across the country. As part of the initiative, up to 10,000 free hot desks will be made available for registered users of the ConnectedHubs.ie platform.
The Connected Hubs Network has been in operation since mid-2021, and this new announcement is part of a push by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, to show people the benefits of hub-working all around the country.
Hubs are co-working and innovation centres that provide desk space, internet access, and other facilities designed to make remote working, hybrid working, and running businesses such as start-ups easier and more seamless.
In Galway, a number of co-working spaces will be taking part in the scheme, including the PorterShed, the Galway Technology Centre, and the Gteic hubs. They offer high-speed internet access, meeting rooms, breakout spaces, and more facilities for getting work done.
The scheme is set to run over two phases. Phase one started on June 27 and will continue until August 31 with the second phase starting in September and expected to run into early 2023.
“This Voucher Scheme will help more people to realise the benefits of remote working and will provide an opportunity to ‘try before you buy’. Whether you are fitting in some work while on holiday in Ireland or looking to relocate to rural Ireland, Connected Hubs has an option for you,” Minister Humphreys said.
“The Connected Hubs Voucher Scheme will allow people to try out their local hub for free and I believe many will see it is a much better option for them than working from the kitchen table or facing a long commute,” the Minister added.
The PorterShed, established in 2016, is one of the Galway hubs taking part in the Connected Hubs scheme, and their CEO Mary Rodgers spoke this week about exactly what a hub-working experience can offer.
“Getting to a hub puts you in the middle of a unique community where new and wonderful things happen in a flash,” she said.
“Maybe you have an idea you’re trying to kickstart or you’d like to network with an expert in your field. The great thing about hubs is that they are crammed full of people who love to engage with others - especially new faces.”
Those who wish to avail of their free vouchers can visit ConnectedHubs.ie to register an account before securing their free vouchers.
