€75,000 for Mullingar E-working Centre

New initiatives and funding will make remote working more accessible for Mullingar people – Peter Burke

Mullingar's E-working Centre at the County Buildings is to receive €75,000 as part of a raft of new measures being introduced to make remote working more attractive and accessible.

Westmeath County Council is also to receive €50,000 to promote remote working opportunities and to highlight Mullingar as a destination for people considering relocating or moving home.

The €75,000 in funding announced by Minister Heather Humphries today is to go towards increasing capacity. In addition, restroom facilities are to be provided in the e-working facility as will enhanced canteen facilities. A privacy booth will also be provided.

The government is also introducing a voucher scheme which will give remote workers free access to digital hubs and provide at least 10,000 hot desk facilities free of charge to existing hub users and those using facilities for the first time.

The news has been welcomed by Minister of State Peter Burke.

“This is fantastic news as I know more and more people are availing of remote working after the pandemic, and it is right that government supports them to do this.

“Many locals used to depart Mullingar on the first train to Dublin and not return until late in the evening, and now it is an option for many to work from home or remotely a few days per week. This has a huge benefit for family life, for work life balance and also on household costs. Another Fine Gael colleague, An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has published our remote working policy and will bring in new legislation shortly to provide the legal right to request work from home.

“While it is not possible for everyone, in the industries which it is, employers should be providing remote working for those who want it.

“E-working hubs, such as ours in Mullingar, can provide quality facilities and where people do not have space, or quiet, or on days when you would prefer to leave the house, they can be a great option. Hubs can provide a more sociable atmosphere and can provide a good balance with routine but also being close to home. With this new scheme, everyone can try it out three times at no cost.

“In addition to these measures, funding of €50,000 is also being provided to Westmeath County Council under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This will help promote remote working opportunities and Westmeath communities as a destination for people considering relocating from our cities and larger towns who may want to return home and enjoy a new experience. Fine Gael is determined to ensure balanced regional development across the country and an important element of that is making remote working an option for more people.

“I would encourage people to look up the Centre online and take advantage of this investment and improved facilities in our town.