The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Dermot
Ahern, TD, announced on Wednesday that six companies are
now located in The Digital Hub, employing almost 100 people. The
Digital Hub is a government initiative to create an International
Digital Enterprise Area in Dublin City, promoting the clustering of
Irish and International companies.
The six companies, a mix of e-learning, multimedia, Digital TV and
content management companies are all located in "OnefiveSeven" a
four-storey building on Thomas Street which has been refurbished to suit
the needs of Digital Media Companies. The companies located there are:
- Certification Europe Ltd
- Educational Multimedia Corporation Ireland Ltd
- Fluid Rock Ltd
- Kratos Ltd
- ShopAD Ltd
- Unlimited
Over twenty companies applied to locate in the 8,000 sq ft building.
Given the strong demand, applications were prioritised based on
innovation, creativity, internationalisation, match with space
available, match with duration of short-term letting and strategic fit
with The Digital Hub. A further 20,000 sq ft of enterprise space will be
available shortly with the redevelopment of the former Guinness Print
Depot. This landmark warehouse building will be completed in summer 2003
and will offer innovative state of the art accommodation suitable for up
to 20 companies.
According to Minister Ahern "I am delighted to welcome the first
companies to The Digital Hub. This announcement moves the project on
from the planning stage into reality. I understand that demand to locate
here was strong and this augers well for the future of the project. I
firmly believe that The Digital Hub will be a catalyst for the future
growth and competitiveness of the high tech sector in Ireland and am
convinced that The Digital Hub will make a major contribution to
enterprise in Ireland and to regeneration in Dublin."
According to Philip Flynn, Chief Executive Officer, The Digital Hub, "The first six companies are now on site demonstrating quite clearly that Digital Media Companies see the benefits of locating here. The Digital
Hub provides Digital Media Companies with a city centre location, offers entrepreneurs
excellent facilities and resources and the opportunity to interact with
like-minded companies in an environment designed to encourage growth and
prosperity. Companies locating in The Digital Hub also have access to
the high capacity broadband Metropolitan Area Network which will service
the area. On completion The Digital Hub will deliver approximately
500,000 sq ft of development with a mix of enterprise, retail,
residential, learning and educational space .The Public Private
Partnership (PPP) process is well underway and a preferred bidder or
bidders should be selected towards the end of the year."
www.thedigitalhub.com
