Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed Government approval of the new National Hub Network Strategy 2026–2030.

The strategy, Connecting Locally, sets out plans to further develop Ireland’s network of more than 400 remote working hubs.

Developed in partnership with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Western Development Commission, it sets out 36 measures to strengthen digital connectivity, expand opportunities for remote and hybrid working and support entrepreneurs and small businesses, particularly in rural communities.

Minister Canney said the strategy builds on work he was involved in during his time as Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Digital Development.

“This is an area I have been closely involved in for a number of years, from chairing the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce which worked to improve connectivity, particularly in rural areas, to helping establish the original network of enterprise hubs and digital working spaces along the Atlantic Economic Corridor.

“That work helped lay the foundations for the national hub network we have today, and I was keen to see it developed further through a National Hub Strategy.

“Remote working hubs have made a real difference in towns and villages across the country. They allow people to work closer to home, reduce long commutes and support local businesses.

“The focus now must be on making the best possible use of these facilities and ensuring they continue to meet the needs of local communities.”

The strategy focuses on three main areas:

• Digitally Connected Communities: Improving access to digital services through Broadband Connection Points, a new online platform and continued support for telecommunications infrastructure.
• Hub Working: Expanding flexible workspaces through a further round of the Connected Hubs Voucher Scheme and broader services within hubs.
• Enterprise Development: Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through mentoring, networking and improved access to business supports.

Minister Canney said the strategy would also help support regional development.

“Having suitable workspaces and enterprise supports available locally gives people more choice about where they live and work, while helping rural communities retain skills and support local employment.”

Existing funding programmes, including the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and LEADER, will continue to support the network.