Minister Mary O’Rourke T.D. launched the first phase of The Digital Hub – a Government initiative through the Department of Public Enterprise - with the publication of "The Strategy Document" that sets out a framework for the project to 2010, on 12 December.
The Digital Hub is a development project to cluster Irish and international new media companies, research and development, and learning & training initiatives in the Liberties area of Dublin. The core development is about nine acres and is located on either side of Thomas Street, in the Guinness brewery area. Media Lab Europe – an alliance between the Government and MIT Media Laboratory - is a third level research and innovation centre already located in The Digital Hub.
The Government through the Department of Public Enterprise has already committed public funds of €130 million for The Digital Hub, and for Media Lab Europe. This includes the acquisition of property by the Office of Public Works for Digital Media Development and Media Lab Europe.
Minister Mary O’Rourke announced the following initiatives to be delivered in the First Phase of development in 2002 and 2003:
1. Implementation of high-speed broadband infrastructure in the immediate area - a priority for digital media companies – funded by the Department of Public Enterprise €2.24million. (Completion: mid 2002)
2. Refurbishment of the landmark 1930’s Printworks building for a mix of digital media companies, meeting places and a network operations centre. (Completion: 2003)
3. The Liberties Learning Initiative - a project developed by The Digital Hub in support of the recommendations of the Liberties/Coombe Integrated Area Plan (IAP) Advisory Group on The Digital Hub. Guinness sponsorship of Ł1million in 2002 – 2003.
The First Phase will also include:
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Completion of an environmental impact assessment of the Urban Framework Plan for the Digital Media Development sites presented in The Strategy Document
- Initiation of Public Private Partnership (PPP) tender process for the delivery of a mix of digital media, enterprise, learning, retail and residential development in the longer-term.
- Temporary accommodation and on-site Enterprise Ireland support services for start-up companies in digital media
- Co-ordination and facilitation of local learning and training initiatives
- Collaborative pilot programmes and networking initiatives focussed on digital media enterprise.
"The First Phase announcement today indicates our strong commitment to The Digital Hub. It is a major opportunity for Ireland as we face the challenges of competing in a global economy", said Mary O’Rourke, T.D., Minister for Public Enterprise. "With broadband connectivity and by taking advantage of other innovations in technology, The Digital Hub will also address local issues such as ‘the digital divide’ through the Liberties Learning Initiative, that is being supported by Guinness".
"This Digital Hub project has an essential part to play in sustaining and adding to Ireland’s future success." comments Paddy Teahon, Executive Chairperson, Digital Media Development "The current slowdown in the economy and turmoil during 2001 in the global media, telecommunications and technology markets, will make the growth of new industry sectors and the development of global markets more challenging. I believe that content creation, management and distribution through digital media - especially in the context of the next generation of the Internet - are key areas of opportunity for future growth and competitive advantage in Ireland."
Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland are key partners in The Digital Hub and have prioritised the development of Ireland’s digital media sector. Dublin Corporation is also a key partner in delivering urban regeneration in The Digital Hub, as part of the Integrated Area Plan for the Liberties/Coombe area.
Work begins on the implementation of the high-speed broadband infrastructure next month and will be completed by mid 2002. The first companies will move into the refurbished Printworks building in 2003. The Liberties Learning Initiative will be implemented by The Digital Hub in partnership with the local education providers in 2002 and 2003.
"Guinness is very pleased to play a key role in helping The Digital Hub to achieve its objective of increasing access to technology for local and wider communities and creating new pathways through learning to enterprise and employment" said Clive Brownlee, Assistant Managing Director of Guinness Ireland Group and independent Chair of the IAP Advisory Group set up to build local community public and private partnership. "The Liberties Learning Initiative is a first step in ensuring local benefits from The Digital Hub project and meets one of the priorities identified through consultation".
The Strategy Document presents plans for the First Phase to 2003. It also provides a framework for private sector investment and on-going consultation with all stakeholders in furthering the ambitious longer-term vision for The Digital Hub to 2010, the delivery of which will be determined by global and national economic conditions and the rapidly changing digital media sector over the next two years.
Full details are available from the website: www.thedigitalhub.com
