Works begins on digital hub focusing on creative sector in An Spidéal

Minister of State for Gaeilge, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Seán Kyne T.D. officially commenced the construction works on a new Innovation and Digital Hub, gteic@An Spidéal that is being developed in An Spidéal, Conamara, Co. Galway.

gteic@An Spidéal will provide a vibrant, modern, high speed broadband facility for start-up and established enterprises, and will have an emphasis on those working in the creative and digital media sectors. The development in An Spidéal will include 25 hot desks/coworking spaces, 10 private office spaces, two meeting rooms, video conferencing facilities, creative breakout spaces, phone booths and meeting pods. It is estimated that the hub will cater for 40 – 50 people. Kesel Construction are undertaking the construction work with Niall J Kearns & Co. providing architectural services and it is hoped that the works will be complete and the hub open for business in the autumn.

The hub is part of gteic – Gréasán Digiteach na Gaeltachta, a network of 30 innovation and digital hubs in rural Gaeltacht areas across counties Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Cork, Waterford and Meath, and including several Gaeltacht and non-Gaeltacht islands. gteic @An Spidéal will be one of 9 hubs of varying sizes to be developed in the Galway Gaeltacht in the years ahead. Following the opening of the hub in An Cheathrú Rua last year it is expected that works on the hubs in Carna and Na Forbacha will be completed in the coming weeks.

The development received significant funding support of €548,887 under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund at a 75% funding level with the balance being invested by Údarás na Gaeltachta from its own resources.

Minister of State Seán Kyne T.D. said “I am delighted to officially commence the works on this new gteic hub for An Spidéal which will help encourage and enable enterprise and innovation in South Connemara. It will provide opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs while also encouraging people to consider setting up or returning to the region.

“Digital hubs, with office facilities, shared working spaces and high-speed broadband, help start-ups and established businesses to grow and expand. gteic@An Spidéal, which will support dozens of jobs directly and indirectly, will have a particular emphasis on the creative and digital media sectors and, as such, builds on the strong creative sector that has developed due, in no small way, to TG4 and Raidió na Gaeltachta.”

Údarás na Gaeltachta CEO Micheál Ó hÉanaigh said, “We are delighted that work has begun on gteic@An Spidéal. This development will give the Gaeltacht Diaspora the option of returning home and working remotely, or starting their own businesses, in a state of the art facility created to enable and foster innovative employment opportunities. It’s location in Conamara where digital media and the creative sector are thriving will be a support to independent and freelance workers who contribute greatly to this industry.”

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