Reinvigorating the West: How Connected Hubs are sparking rural innovation

With over 350 hubs already in place and a target to reach 400 by the end of 2024, this expanding network is delivering tangible benefits to areas that had long felt left behind.

With over 350 hubs already in place and a target to reach 400 by the end of 2024, this expanding network is delivering tangible benefits to areas that had long felt left behind.

The west of Ireland, with its rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and charming villages, has long been admired for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. But historically, this region—home to many small towns and rural communities—has not fully shared in the benefits of industrialisation and urban economic growth. That narrative is changing, thanks to a visionary initiative: Connected Hubs.

Launched as part of Our Rural Future and managed by the Western Development Commission in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development, Connected Hubs is breathing new life into the towns and villages of the west. This government-backed programme is a cornerstone of the Irish National Hub Network, designed to empower communities by supporting innovation, enterprise, and flexible work opportunities—all from the heart of rural Ireland.

At its essence, Connected Hubs bridges the gap between city and countryside, allowing small businesses, entrepreneurs, and remote workers to operate effectively outside major urban centres. With over 350 hubs already in place and a target to reach 400 by the end of 2024, this expanding network is delivering tangible benefits to areas that had long felt left behind.

In practice, these hubs are more than just shared office spaces. They are thriving centres of creativity and enterprise. Facilities often include individual desks, private offices, meeting rooms, podcast studios, and even specialised spaces like shared kitchens for food startups or Fab Labs for makers and designers. Whether it's AgTech in Mayo or CreaTech in Galway, each hub is tailored to local needs and strengths.

One of the most transformative aspects of the Connected Hubs initiative is how it empowers people to live and work in their own communities. This shift is not just about convenience—it’s about sustainability, both economically and environmentally. By enabling professionals to stay local, the hubs reduce commuting and support a better work-life balance. Families remain rooted, schools stay open, and local economies benefit from increased activity and spending.

For entrepreneurs and small businesses, the hubs offer more than space—they provide a launchpad. Business mentoring, accelerator programmes, networking events, and access to global initiatives are all part of the ecosystem. This level of support can mean the difference between an idea fading out and flourishing into a sustainable enterprise.

The impact goes beyond business. By re-establishing economic and social centres in rural communities, the hubs help counteract rural depopulation. Younger generations can now realistically envision a future where they don’t need to leave home to pursue careers or build companies. This reinvigorates local identity and community spirit, making towns more vibrant and inclusive.

The Connected Hubs initiative is also aligned with major national strategies such as Project Ireland 2040, Making Remote Work, and Town Centre First. Its implementation is guided by a whole-of-government approach and supported by an interdepartmental steering group, ensuring coordination and long-term viability.

The roots of the project trace back to the Atlantic Economic Corridor initiative, launched in 2019. That effort laid the groundwork for a more ambitious national vision, realised in 2021 with the launch of the Connected Hubs platform—www.connectedhubs.ie—which now serves as the digital backbone for bookings, collaboration, and promotion.

Crucially, this is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each hub is locally led and adapts to the community it serves. This decentralised, community-first approach is a key strength, ensuring that development is inclusive, relevant, and resilient.

In a time when the nature of work is evolving rapidly, Ireland's Connected Hubs network is not just keeping pace—it’s setting the pace. For the west of Ireland, long overlooked in the story of industrialisation, the future is no longer something that happens elsewhere. Thanks to Connected Hubs, it’s happening here—and it’s just beginning.

 

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