Monksland facility is 400th hub added to national 'connected hubs' network

The Government announced today (Friday) that the Monksland Innovation Hub in Athlone has become the 400th remote working facility added to the national ConnectedHubs.ie network.

The 400-hubs milestone was announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, at the National Hub Summit in Ballinalsoe.

Minister Calleary is due to visit the Monksland Innovation Hub, which was developed by Roscommon County Council, this evening.

Speaking at the summit in Ballinasloe, he said the Government's 'Our Rural Future' strategy "recognises the opportunity that remote working presents" in helping to rejuvenate rural towns and villages.

"I am delighted to announce that the 400th hub has been onboarded onto the Connected Hubs. Meeting this key deliverable under Our Rural Future demonstrates the Government’s commitment to remote working and to rural Ireland," said Minister Calleary.

"As Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, it is important to me that those who chose to live in rural Ireland are given the chance to avail of the increased remote working opportunities that have emerged in recent years.

"The hub network not only assists with these opportunities, it is helping to sustain the population in some rural areas, revitalise town centres, reduce commuting times and improve the quality of life for people."

Allan Mulrooney, CEO of Western Development Commission added: "Connected Hubs began as a pilot initiative in the Western region and has since expanded to become a national network.

"Reaching 400 hubs marks a significant milestone in that journey and highlights the transformative impact that this initiative is having in communities across Ireland."

The multi-million euro Monksland Innovation Hub was officially launched by then-Minister Heather Humphreys in May 2024.

As of last month Alkermes, which is based on the first floor of the premises, was the only company based at the premises, which was billed as a facility offering "co-working and training facilities, and a soft landing space for companies starting out".