The Digital Hub project has revealed record growth in the number of new technology and digital media companies based at its premises in Dublin, as well as expansion of existing businesses located there.
In its end-of-year statement released today, the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) said 72 companies are now located at its premises in the Liberties area of the capital. This time last year there were 50 firms, meaning 2006 saw an increase of 44pc. “This is the strongest growth that the Digital Hub project has witnessed to date,” said Philip Flynn, chief executive of the DHDA.
As well as attracting new companies to locate there, the Hub also saw several long-term tenant companies expand operations during the year. Kavaleer, Blinck Mobile and Zamano, which employ 80 people between them, moved from the project’s incubation space to other locations. Between them these three companies now employ over 80 staff. The property website Daft.ie is also in growth mode with 18 employees and further expansion planned for early in the new year.
Flynn added that the Hub also hosts several international companies in addition to indigenous firms. “Approximately 25pc of companies currently located in The Digital Hub are foreign direct investment. We expect this to rise significantly in the coming years,” he said.
From next year, the National Digital Research Centre will operate from The Digital Hub. This is the research entity intended to replace the ill-fated Media Lab Europe project, which closed almost two years ago.
By Gordon Smith
