East Border Region is delighted to officially launch the €6,122,966 PEACEPLUS Mini Digi Hub Project

The Mini Digi Hub initiative aims to address the digital divide and catalyse economic growth, inclusivity, and balanced regional development. 

Its central objective is to revitalise the East Border Region area by transforming underutilised public buildings into vibrant digital hubs, each with a unique thematic focus designed to meet the specific needs of their local communities and to leave a lasting legacy for the Programme area.

Project partners include Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT), Monaghan County Council, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Meath County Council, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council.

The Mini Digi Hubs project is set to transform the region by upgrading five underutilised public buildings into hubs of digital innovation and collaboration. 

Providing a Mobile Digital Lab to act as a roving hub that brings access to communities, schools and business. Providing access to advanced technologies for citizens and businesses in rural areas. Offering digital skills training and specialised masterclasses in rural communities. Encouraging cross-border collaboration to pool resources and expertise.  Assisting businesses in the adoption of digital technologies to stimulate growth in emerging sectors.  Ensuring uptake and upscaling by council and business to create an advanced regional digital ecosystem. 

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA said: 

“I’m delighted that my Department is partnering with the DRCDG and the SEUPB to provide funding for this under the PEACEPLUS programme to support The Mini Digi Hub project.  This is an important step forward in a joint commitment to creating a more digitally inclusive and connected cross-border community. By improving digital access and fostering innovation, this initiative empowers citizens and businesses across the region to thrive and grow, which is essential in today’s ever evolving economy. Through improved access to ICT and a strong focus on developing digital skills, the project ensures that rural dwellers can benefit from an improved digital landscape contributing to building strong and resilient rural communities where people can live, work and prosper.”

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, welcomed the announcement. 

Minister Calleary said: 

" I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped the Mini Digi Hubs project get off the ground. I am delighted that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will provide support for this outstanding project in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland and the Special EU Programmes Body. Long-term benefits for the area will result from this initiative's successful achievement”.

Minister Buttimer added:

"By allocating this crucial funding, the Smart Towns and Villages Investment Area will enhance the socio-economic inclusion of low-income and marginalised households, as well as underprivileged people and communities. Additionally, it will encourage rural towns and villages to repopulate and grow economically.”

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: 

“Economic development is a necessity to underpin peace and drive prosperity.

“The PEACEPLUS Programme recognises this, and through initiatives like Mini Digi Hubs, we are investing in the social economy, supporting SMEs and fostering innovation where it is needed most.”

“Rural areas often face unique challenges: lower levels of entrepreneurism, higher unemployment and limited access to digital services.

“PEACEPLUS directly addresses those challenges. It promotes balanced regional development, supports lifelong learning and encourages the creation of Smart Towns and Villages through a proven social innovation-led approach.”

The Chairman of East Border Region, Ald Alan McDowell said: 

“EBR are absolutely delighted to be officially launching this innovative cross-border project.  It will act as a catalyst to revitalise a number of rural towns and villages in the border region and provide vital services to our citizens. We are particularly excited to be unveiling the state-of-the-art mobile digital lab which has recently been custom-built in Estonia.” 

The custom-built, Mobile Digital lab is managed by DkIT. Jason McGee, Innovation Business Partner Manager at DkIT’s Regional Development Centre said: 

“This launch marks an exciting step forward for digital innovation in our region. With immersive technology now at the heart of the Mobile Digital Lab, we’re opening new pathways for learning, creativity and enterprise across communities from DKIT into the East Border Region.”

Notes to Editors

Any queries please contact: Dette Hughes, Programme Manager East Border Region [email protected] Tel; 07793824538

• The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is a North South Body with the statutory remit for managing EU funding programmes within Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
   
• PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. The total value of PEACEPLUS is €1.14 billion.
   
• PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.

A project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).