Ireland’s National Hub Network Strategy has been launched with a five-year plan to strengthen remote working infrastructure, expand digital access and support enterprise development in rural communities. The strategy, published by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, includes 36 measures for the period 2026–2030.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD launched the plan at the National Hub Summit in Ballinasloe, County Galway, on 22 October 2026. The initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to balanced regional development and recognises the growing role of hubs in Ireland’s changing workplace.
National Hub Network Strategy sets direction for 2026–2030
Called Connecting Locally – A Strategy for the National Hub Network 2026–2030, the plan builds on investment already made in Ireland’s hub infrastructure. Its central ambition is to ensure people can work closer to home while giving entrepreneurs and small businesses access to facilities, connectivity and support outside major urban centres.
The 36 measures aim to:
- Create more opportunities for remote and hybrid working in rural towns.
- Improve access to digital services and high-quality workspaces.
- Support entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses.
- Strengthen local economies and sustainable communities.
- Encourage collaboration between Government, hub operators and regional stakeholders.
The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Western Development Commission helped develop the strategy. Enterprise Ireland-funded enterprise centres are also expected to contribute to digital transformation, innovation and business scaling.
Connected Hubs network reaches more than 400 locations
The launch coincides with the fifth anniversary of Connected Hubs, a Western Development Commission initiative that has grown from a regional pilot into a national network of more than 400 hubs. These facilities provide workspace and community infrastructure for employees, freelancers, entrepreneurs and growing companies.
According to the Western Development Commission, the next phase will focus on attracting and retaining talent, sustaining jobs and maximising the contribution of hubs to regional economies. The summit also examined emerging issues such as artificial intelligence and international approaches to hub development during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
What the strategy means for rural communities
The Government’s approach places hubs within a broader policy framework involving regional enterprise, digital connectivity and community resilience. The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will work with partners during implementation, while Enterprise Ireland-backed centres will continue supporting businesses in regional locations.
For rural residents, the strategy could make flexible work more accessible without requiring a daily commute to a major city. For businesses, a stronger hub network may provide practical space for collaboration, innovation and expansion.
Implementation will depend on collaboration
Minister Calleary said the strategy’s success would rely on continued cooperation across Government and the wider hub sector. Hub managers, operators and stakeholders contributed to its development and will have an important role during implementation.
The National Hub Network Strategy marks a move from establishing remote working hubs to developing their long-term economic and social value. Its success will ultimately be measured by how effectively hubs help communities attract talent, support enterprise and create sustainable opportunities across Ireland.
Key takeaway: Ireland’s National Hub Network Strategy provides a structured roadmap to make rural hubs more valuable centres for work, digital services, entrepreneurship and regional growth between 2026 and 2030.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie