A brand new digital hub which enhances the economic infrastructure of County Kerry has been officially opened today by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin TD. Sneem Digital Hub is a not-for-profit initiative aimed at generating employment and enterprise in the south Kerry area through the provision of office space, hot desking facilities and co-working space. It offers opportunities for start-ups, entrepreneurs and existing businesses as well as the potential for businesses or companies to locate or re-locate to Sneem.

Minister Brendan Griffin said: ‘Sneem Digital Hub offers so many opportunities to the people of the area. It helps to tackle the major challenge of rural depopulation by affording people the possibility of great careers combined with the wonderful lifestyle which Sneem offers. The hub will help to grow the local population in a sustainable way and will provide a real alternative to life in expensive and overcrowded cities. The hub is also a great resource for local businesses and remote workers and will benefit holidaymakers, who may wish to extend their stay now that they have the facility to work from Sneem.’

Sneem Digital Hub Manager, Aidan Murray said: ‘The key aim of this new project is to generate jobs and investment locally to benefit the south Kerry economy and to offer new and existing businesses an excellent quality of life in a vibrant rural setting. The Hub offers employers and employees a strong quality of life in a beautiful coastal location which has excellent local services, attractions and facilities for all ages.’

‘Sneem Digital Hub would not exist were it not for the significant funding and other supports provided by Enterprise Ireland, the Department of Rural and Community Development, Kerry County Council , South Kerry Development Partnership and the local community, to whom we are very grateful.’

Cathaoirleach of the South and West Kerry Municipal District, Cllr Norma Moriarty, said: ‘This is a great day for Sneem and is a wonderful community-led initiative which has come to fruition through the community’s tenacity and commitment. It is wonderful to see an old building such as this – a former dancehall – being brought back to life and becoming home to such a spacious, comfortable and modern facility.’

Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, said: ‘Kerry County Council has been fully supportive of this project since its inception and is delighted to have provided financial support to the Sneem Digital Hub. This is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when the local authority collaborates with communities to promote and develop the local economy. I hope that the Hub will provide a focal point for locally based enterprise and job creation and I am sure that it will add greatly to the network of enterprise and innovations hubs which are being developed around the county.’

For further information: https://www.sneemdigitalhub.ie/

Contact: Aidan Murray, Hub Manager at 089 954 2204 or [email protected].