The Digital Exchange building in Dublin's Digital Hub
The Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) in Dublin is to be established as an independent company under Dublin City Council, it emerged today.
Communications Minister Alex White, TD, said the agency is to merge with Dublin City Council and will be established as an independent company.
The DHDA is planning a significant expansion of office space by refurbishing mainly derelict properties on its Dublin 8 campus.
The board of the DHDA has agreed to a new strategy and funding model to put the company firmly on a track towards self-sufficiency.
White said that as an independent company, the DHDA will maintain its commercial digital focus and be positioned to respond swiftly in a dynamic commercial property market.
“This will support both job creation and regeneration of this historic area of Dublin. Work is already under way on the refurbishment of a derelict 19th-century Grainstore building and the development of high-quality student accommodation on The Digital Hub campus,” White said.
“This new office space will come on stream over the coming year, with completion of the student accommodation in 2016.”
White said the purpose of establishing the DHDA as an independent company is to help it retain its unique identity and branding to support digital entrepreneurship in Ireland.
“The new arrangement will enable the Digital Hub to continue to build and reinforce Dublin and Ireland’s reputation as a centre for digital excellence. It will foster a supportive and dynamic business environment where new digital enterprises can thrive and contribute to Ireland’s jobs recovery.”
Urban regeneration
So far, more than 200 companies have progressed through the Hub, including now well-established names such as Daft.ie, Havok, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Riverdeep), Amazon, PopCap, and Gala Games. It is also current home to Silicon Republic.
“At The Digital Hub, we are already working closely with DCC (Dublin City Council) on the management and development of property, local urban regeneration and the city’s reputation as a world-class centre for the hi-tech industry,” the chief executive of the Digital Hub Gerry Macken explained.
“The transition to DCC will strengthen existing relationships further and will accelerate the many benefits that can be expected from such a move. This latest development will ensure the continued growth of a vibrant digital enterprise community in Dublin’s historic Liberties Quarter and the creation of much needed high-value jobs in the city.”
