Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub Joins the SIRO-Vodafone Gigabit Hub Initiative

On May 23, 2024, Ballinasloe Area Community Development (BACD) officially opened the Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub (BEH), marking a significant milestone in the community’s efforts to support local businesses and boost economic activity. This €1.6 million project represents a major investment in the future of the region, offering cutting-edge facilities to foster entrepreneurship and remote working.

The Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub was made possible through the collaboration of numerous stakeholders and funders. Key contributions included €490,000 from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications under the 2020 National Just Transition Fund, €250,000 from the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2022 via Galway County Council, and €35,000 from Galway Rural Development Company Ltd. BACD itself invested over €800,000, supported by Ballinasloe Credit Union.

BEH also entered a connectivity partnership with SIRO and Vodafone as part of the Gigabit Hub Initiative. The initiative works by providing best in class Gigabit connectivity for digital working hubs across Ireland. Under the Initiative, digital working hubs are connected to the SIRO full fibre network; and receive both technical and marketing supports designed to provide them with best-in-class connectivity.

 

Minister for Rural & Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, officially opened the Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub. She emphasised the importance of such facilities in revitalising rural communities.

“State-of-the-art facilities like the Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub embody the core goals of ‘Our Rural Future’ […] I want to congratulate the entire team in Ballinasloe and thank them for collaborating with my Department to make their vision a reality.”

Seamus Duffy, Chair of BACD CLG expressed his gratitude and optimism for the future, stating:

“it has been a privilege to chair the company for the past 15 years, and with the opening of our new hub, we look forward to many more successful milestones and celebrations in the years to come.”

Councillor Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, noted:

“with a key focus on promoting and supporting entrepreneurship, the delivery of this facility has been realised through the commitment of BACD Ltd, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary, and the support of the Department and Galway County Council. I wish to offer my congratulations to the Board of Directors, Chair Seamus Duffy, and Enterprise Manager Lyn Donnelly for their vision and capacity to match fund the project and deliver it on time and within budget”.

John Keaney SIRO Chief Executive Officer said:

“SIRO is pleased to support the Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre with world class fibre connectivity. Through the Gigabit Hub Initiative, the Centre now has full fibre broadband, which will empower local entrepreneurs based at the Centre to develop and grow their business. The Centre will also have a hugely positive impact on the wider business and social community, and we wish it every success in the years ahead.”

Mairead Cullen, IT Director at Vodafone Ireland said:

“Since the beginning of the Gigabit Hub Initiative, we have seen many communities realise the benefits that come with smart working and world class connectivity. This vital infrastructure has helped to promote rural parts of Ireland as destinations for international business, as businesses look to grow and scale to their full potential. We are delighted to welcome Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre to the Gigabit Hub Initiative and look forward to welcoming more hubs and seeing the impact they have as the network expands and the initiative continues to go from strength to strength.”

While celebrating the new hub, BACD also commemorated its 25th anniversary, reflecting on its numerous achievements over the years. Key projects include the Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre, Ballinasloe Life Magazine, The Pulse Club, and various community initiatives such as the town website, Business Network, zombie walk, Christmas Illumination, TUS Learning Gate, Tourism Weekend, 10-Year Community Plan, and Sustainable Energy Community initiatives.

We are now accepting applications for GigaBitHub Initiative within our network footprint. For more information, please visit https://siro.ie/about-us/gigabit-hubs/

More information on the Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub: https://bacd.ie/projects/enterprise-projects/ballinasloe-enterprise-hub/