MINISTER FOR HOUSING DARRAGH O’BRIEN LAUNCHES NEW CREATIVE MEDIA STUDIO AND REMOTE WORKING HUBS IN DRINAN ENTERPRISE CENTRE, SWORDS
Launch represents a significant step forward for Drinan Enterprise Centre, ‘Fingal’s Innovation Hub’
The Drinan Enterprise Centre in Swords, Co. Dublin, marked the launch of a new venture in its facilities with the opening today of their creative media studio, ‘The Studio Drinan’, and Remote Working Hubs. The development of these new professional suites was much welcomed by Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage and Mayor of Fingal Cllr Howard Mahony, who were present to commemorate the occasion.
The provision of new Remote Working Hubs and a Creative Studio provides increased infrastructure to new business start-ups, existing enterprises, remote workers, creative media professionals and community organisations in North Dublin. The Studio Drinan provides technical equipment to enable new enterprises, existing business, students, and community groups to utilise the power of social media through podcasts, YouTube videos and other platforms.
Speaking on launching these new facilities, Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien said “What we are launching here today is exciting. With the Remote Working Facilities Drinan is strengthening the infrastructure in North Dublin that enables people to work remotely. Working remotely has been proven to be effective and was a necessity for business and employees during the Pandemic. The nature of work is changing, and the option for many to avoid the commute, save travel time and improve family and individual well-being, can now be supported by access to the facilities here in Drinan.”
The Drinan Enterprise Centre’ s core business is the provision of space and support to new businesses. The Centre was developed as part of Fingal County Council’s ongoing commitment to sustainable economic development and growth in Fingal. The new facilities and services launched today expand on its core mission. The funding for the new facilities was provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development under its Connected Hubs Programme. Funding provided allowed for the provision of solar energy and charging stations for electric vehicles helping Drinan address environmental challenges around energy independence from fossil fuels.
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Howard Mahony spoke to the significance of a centre such as this in Fingal, and what it means for local enterprise “The provision of Remote Working Facilities will greatly enhance the well-being of workers and increase the spending power in the community of Swords and Fingal. Funding initiatives of this type across Government can incentivise and enable innovation and development locally.”
Chief Executive of Fingal Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, observed “The reality of work and employment is constantly changing and today we see Drinan through it’s “Workwise at Drinan” brand, provide innovative remote working space and creative media tools. This addresses two features of workplace change namely, how we can work remotely, and how we creatively communicate and promote our products and services using technology.”
Cllr Anthony Lavin Acting Chair of the Board of Drinan Enterprise Centre declared “Our message is clear: “Workwise in Drinan “and use our creative media hub to communicate and reach your audience, your customers, your causes and your world. The Studio at Drinan is the first ever creative production facility allowing for the creation of podcasts, you tube videos, music and other media expressions to be located in an Enterprise Centre in Ireland. “
The new facilities are open now. To register interest, visit www.drinanenterprisecentre.ie.
