Remote workers can now book a seat at free digital hubs online or through a handy app.
There are already over 200 of these hubs on the State’s remote working network in disused spaces like empty bank branches, closed Garda stations, convents and train stations.
Monday’s announcement was backed with another €5million in funding.
The Government is supplying more and more supports for remote working, which is seen as one of the positive legacies of Covid.
Many people have become used to working from home, but there are now special remote working hubs being opened all over the country to enable more working away from the office.
The hubs are fully furnished and connected, making them comfortable alternatives to commuting to an office workplace.
The Government hopes it will improve the quality of life for workers, as well as cutting down on commuting and harmful emissions.
Minister for Rural Development, Heather Humphreys, launched the latest improvements to the plan on Monday morning, including the new app.
Ms Humphreys said: “If COVID-19 has taught us one thing – it’s that the benefits of Remote Working are huge.
“Less time spent commuting, a lower carbon footprint, more time spent with family and friends. But above all – a better quality of life.
“Over the past two years, we have embarked on a mission never seen before.
“My Department has invested €100million in the development of remote working facilities in our towns and villages nationwide.
“Across Ireland, we have taken many old and derelict buildings and re-purposed them into state-of-the-art Remote Working facilities.
“Former banks, cinemas, garda stations, convents and train stations have become local digital hubs.
“In addition we have provided funding to upgrade and enhance existing hub facilities.
“These are now part of a new network called ‘Connected Hubs’ – which is at the forefront of our efforts to make Remote Working a reality for tens of thousands of workers.”
The Minister added: “Today represents the next chapter in our Remote Working journey.
“And it also demonstrates how we are putting ‘Our Rural Future’ into action.
“I’m really pleased to launch the new Connected Hubs mobile app which will enable workers to book their desk space in their local hub with ease.
“The number of hubs available on the Connected Hubs network will this week surpass the 200 mark meaning we are already halfway to our target of 400 hubs nationwide as committed under Our Rural Future.
“Today I am also launching a new €5million Connected Hubs Fund which will be aimed at upgrading and increasing capacity in our existing hub facilities.
“In addition, over the coming weeks and months, I will be announcing further funding for the development of new remote working facilities as part of Our Rural Future.
“So my message to remote workers today is clear: whether you are in Donegal or Waterford, Louth or in Kerry, East Coast, Midlands or along the Border, we have a hub for you.”
