Ireland’s first inclusive remote working hub opened

Ireland’s first purpose-built fully inclusive remote working hub for people with disabilities was opened in Cork last Friday by An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar. The ‘Impact Hub@Crann’ is located at the Crann Centre in Ballincollig, which provides a range of life-changing services and supports for people with disabilities.

The new hub will enable people living with disabilities, such as spina bifida and cerebral palsy, to better participate in the world of work, enjoy the benefits of inclusive co-working and create business and employment opportunities.

Developed in partnership with the Ballincollig Business Association and the Rubicon Centre at Munster Technological University (MTU), the hub features a 17-desk facility with high-speed broadband, a fully accessible working environment and ample free parking in a peaceful three-acre setting which also includes a leisure space, fitness area and inclusive playground.

Businesses located within the Impact Hub will benefit from tailored business supports and mentoring from Cork city and county Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) and the mentoring ecosystem at the Rubicon at MTU.

Sarah Dullea, who acted as MC for the launch event, spoke of how in 2019, she was struggling to find an accessible location for her beauty therapy business when the Crann Centre gave her the opportunity to locate in their facility. She spoke of the impact this had for her and how she was excited to see other people with a disability now having an opportunity to work and collaborate in the Impact Hub at Crann.

Sponsored by AIB, Cork City Council and The Open Doors Initiative, the new facility is an opportunity to build a like-minded community committed to inclusion in action and will add to the infrastructure in some of Cork’s largest residential areas which are also home to major employers in technology, science, and services.