Connected Hubs initiative aimed at giving Waterford working parents support

With the bank holiday weekend in sight, we’re firmly into the height of the summer season and while the long break is brilliant for kids, it’s not always so easy for working parents trying to juggle deadlines while the rest of the family is in holiday mode.

However, there are now over 385 Connected Hubs in a network across Ireland, including in Waterford.

One of those behind the local hubs commented: "If you’ve ever tried to take a Zoom call from a kitchen full of noise, or dashed off emails between day trips, you’re not alone. But there is another option: local coworking spaces or digital hubs."

"Together, they offer over 5,000 desks and 620 meeting rooms," she added. Together Wexford and Waterford alone have 24 of these hubs, including Dungarvan Enterprise Centre’s hub, which sees a growth in business at summertime.

“We’re located in a beautiful coastal town and many families visit the area on holiday,” said senior administrator, Carmel Organ. 

“Parents who have to work in summertime can come and go as they please - start early or drop by in the afternoon while kids are at summer camps.”

“But our centre also has open meeting areas where parents can relax, network and collaborate," she said. Dungarvan Enterprise Centre is the largest enterprise centre in West Waterford and facilities include an executive innovation centre and training room with state-of-the-art communications and conferencing facilities. In addition to the facilities, Carmel says there are other major attractions for visitors too: “We have an easy to access location close to the town centre. There are lots of top-quality restaurants and convenience stores nearby.” 

Wexford’s KCC Workspace, in Kilanerin, Gorey, is having a similar experience. Hub manager Aileen Cooper said they have a lot of new business over the summer months.

“In summer, parents find it more difficult to work at home or in their mobile homes at the popular holiday spots along the Wexford coast," she said.

"So, the hub offers an attractive place to work from," she added. There are a further 22 hubs stretching across the Waterford and Wexford region and they are all part of a wider national network called Connected Hubs - work and innovation spaces across towns and villages in Ireland.

“They’ve become really important to local communities,” says Connected Hubs manager Stephen Carolan. “They help people work close to home and support small businesses by offering them affordable space and services.” 

To book a hub space online visit www.connectedhubs.ie.