Fine Gael, MEP for the Midlands North West, Colm Markey, is of the view that remote and hybrid working options have the potential to “completely revive” rural Ireland.
The MEP highlights the potential of derelict buildings such as old banks, which can be turned into remote working hubs making towns and villages more attractive places to raise a family in.
Other benefits of remote work include lower emissions, more family time and a higher level of jobs in rural Ireland.
Regeneration projects in rural communities across the country, to transform derelict and historical buildings into modern-day hubs, enterprises, cultural and community facilities, were announced earlier this year. The figure allocated was €21.5.
MEP Markey added: “We need to keep up the momentum and re-double our efforts to reverse rural decline. This is a once in a generation opportunity and we need to get it right.”
Markey further said he welcomes the government’s effort to sign the right to request remote working into law.
As part of the Our Rural Future strategy, the government has committed itself to the development of a national hubs network.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, said that there are 177 hubs nationwide that already use the ConnectedHubs.ie platform which is expected to increase to 400 by the end of 2022.
LSL News.