National hub strategy launched to boost local economies
A new strategy to expand Ireland’s hub network and support rural communities was unveiled today. The plan focuses on enhancing digital access, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting balanced regional development across the country.
Source:
Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, officially launched the National Hub Network Strategy on 22 October 2026, outlining a comprehensive vision for the advancement of Ireland’s hub infrastructure. Developed in collaboration with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Western Development Commission, the strategy introduces 36 initiatives aimed at improving remote work opportunities, expanding digital services in rural areas, and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.
At the launch event in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, Minister Calleary highlighted the evolving nature of work driven by digital connectivity and the rise of hybrid working models. He emphasised that hubs have been instrumental in adapting to these shifts, offering vital resources for communities and businesses. The strategy sets a clear five-year direction to ensure hubs continue to evolve and meet the changing needs of their communities, relying on ongoing cooperation between government bodies and the wider hub sector.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, welcomed the strategy, stressing its importance for regional development and enterprise growth. Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the Western Development Commission, reflected on the network's growth from a regional pilot to a national system of over 400 hubs. The summit also celebrated five years of Connected Hubs and explored future opportunities including AI integration and European best practices, underscoring the hubs’ role in sustaining jobs and attracting talent across Ireland.
At the launch event in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, Minister Calleary highlighted the evolving nature of work driven by digital connectivity and the rise of hybrid working models. He emphasised that hubs have been instrumental in adapting to these shifts, offering vital resources for communities and businesses. The strategy sets a clear five-year direction to ensure hubs continue to evolve and meet the changing needs of their communities, relying on ongoing cooperation between government bodies and the wider hub sector.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, welcomed the strategy, stressing its importance for regional development and enterprise growth. Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the Western Development Commission, reflected on the network's growth from a regional pilot to a national system of over 400 hubs. The summit also celebrated five years of Connected Hubs and explored future opportunities including AI integration and European best practices, underscoring the hubs’ role in sustaining jobs and attracting talent across Ireland.
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