The Northern Ireland Government is to establish remote working around the Province, offering Public Servants the chance to work closer to home.
Up to 10 of these hubs are under consideration, with the aim of setting them up in existing buildings rather than purpose-built facilities.
The hubs are expected to operate on a ‘hot desk’ basis, offering a modern office environment to Government workers who will, in turn, be encouraged to spend in local shops and businesses.
It is understood the proposal had been in the works before the outbreak of COVID-19, but the pandemic provided an incentive to push ahead.
The first two hubs are expected to be opened in Ballykelly and Downpatrick in the next few months, but will only become operational when health advice and regulations permit.
Additional bases in Omagh, Craigavon, Ballymena and the Antrim or Newtownabbey areas are planned for next year.
It is believed that the longer term roll-out is looking at locations in Enniskillen, Derry, Newry and the Bangor or Newtownards areas.
While one-in-three Public Servants live outside the greater Belfast area, officials said the Provincial capital would continue to have a significant presence of Government workers for the foreseeable future.
However, the successful adoption of the regional hubs could eventually result in some city centre public buildings being sold off.
Announcing the plan, which he named Connect2, Minister for Finance, Conor Murphy (pictured) said it was a key part of the Government’s economy recovery project.
Belfast, 18 February 2021
