Happen Workspaces Network and Innovate Limerick have welcomed the launch of a new policy to develop and sustain rural Ireland. Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 has been launched by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys and sets out its vision for a thriving rural Ireland.
WHAT WE DO
Innovate Limerick was established by Limerick City and County Council to help drive innovation and act as the delivery mechanism for the projects outlined in the Limerick 2030 plan and the Limerick Regeneration implementation plans and others. Innovate Limerick's aims to develop Limerick's business ecosystem and position Limerick City and County as one of the most attractive locations to start and grow a business. We provide a supportive environment that will facilitate and encourage higher levels of innovation.
Our current projects include:
ENGINE, Troy Studios Limerick, Film in Limerick, NAMC and Rathkeale Enterprise Centre.
Happen.
The five-year strategy includes proposals for possible incentives to attract remote workers to rural areas and for revitalising town centres as well as efforts to make Ireland a leading destination for adventure tourism.
Welcoming the launch of the strategy Mike Cantwell, Head of Innovate Limerick and LEO Limerick said: “The launch of 'Our Rural Future' shows how both urban and rural communities can work together to complement each other and grow. The Happen Network has identified these synergies and created a solution for businesses of all sizes to allow them to locate teams throughout the Mid-West. Reduced commute times, cost of living and house prices, as well as an excellent quality of life, are just some of the benefits the Mid-West has to offer.”
In additional to the Happen Workspaces Network, Innovate Limerick is responsible for a number of projects which are key to driving economic growth. Their current project, the Digital Collaboration Centre (DCC) will co-locate on the site of their headquarters at ENGINE in Cecil St, Limerick. Building works are due to commence on the DCC over the coming weeks and when completed DCC will facilitate collaboration between multinationals in the region and indigenous companies.
These opportunities will then flow from the Digital Collaboration Centre out to co-working spaces in the Mid-West and help further develop rural communities.
Agnes Relihan, Happen Network Manager said: “The creation of the Happen Workspaces Network was prompted by the impact that Covid-19 has had on how and where people work and the demand for a more collaborative form of remote working.”
“Being part of a Happen co-working space gives users and tenants access to an online community portal, exclusive workshops and events being organised by Happen and the ability to share business news via the network’s newsletter and website.”
For more information see www.happenspace.ie.