Community hub for Waterford Gaeltacht in the works
Planning permission was recently granted after years of local efforts for a new community enterprise hub in An Rinn
Planning permission for a new community enterprise hub in An Rinn was recently granted after years of local efforts.
The new centre at Baile na nGall Beag, Rinn Ó gCuanach in the Waterford Gaeltacht is designed to serve as a focal point for enterprise, culture and tourism in the area for locals and visitors alike.
Spanning across two large buildings, the enterprise hub has a starting employment target of up to 50 full-time jobs with office space for new and existing businesses in the area.
The 1,500-metre squared development will provide facilities for local enterprises like Nemeton TV, Na Bróga Dearga (Red Shoe Productions) and office space for Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise, the local community development association.
The plan also features an open reception space which could be used for community events and art exhibitions, a gteic digital hub with space for twenty people in a mix of individual offices and hot desks, a cafe and an open air theatre.
Míchéal Ó Drisleáin, Bainisteoir Forbartha for Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise told the Waterford News & Star: "This development would be a transformative investment in the future of the Waterford Gaeltacht, creating a much-needed central hub for community life, enterprise, tourism and the Irish language.
"It would provide modern facilities for local businesses, help protect and create high-quality employment, and give community organisations the space they need to grow.
"Despite being one of Ireland’s smallest Gaeltacht areas, Gaeltacht na nDéise is a young and vibrant community which has experienced strong population and Irish-language growth in recent years. This project is about building on that success and ensuring the Gaeltacht remains a thriving, sustainable Irish-speaking community for generations to come."
