Minister for Rural and Community Development, Dara Calleary, visited County Carlow today to officially launch the newly developed Station House – Connected Hub, followed by a series of engagements highlighting innovation, rural development, and enterprise excellence across the county.
Station House in Hacketstown is a Connected Hub and enterprise space operated by Carlow Community Enterprise Centres. Supported under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme, this initiative is part of the Rural Innovation Network and serves as a hub for entrepreneurship, remote working, and business support in rural County Carlow. The funding has enabled the transformation of Station House into a state-of-the-art facility designed to drive economic activity and innovation in the region.
Commenting on the project, Colin O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council, said:
“By offering modern workspaces, digital infrastructure, and business development resources, Station House plays a crucial role in enhancing enterprise, innovation, and digital transformation in rural areas. The Town & Village Renewal Scheme's support has ensured that businesses in Hacketstown and beyond have access to modern facilities and expert guidance, strengthening the local economy and community resilience.”
The Station House – Connected Hub offers a range of features designed to support enterprise and innovation in rural County Carlow. It includes three modern office units, providing workspace for local businesses, startups, and remote workers. A community and training space is also available, serving as a dedicated area for workshops, mentoring, and collaboration. As part of the TU:RISE Initiative, the hub is linked to SETU’s TU:RISE programme, which promotes rural innovation and collaboration. Additionally, two new business support programmes were announced at the launch. The Grow Hub is tailored to assist existing businesses with mentorship, networking, and resources for scaling, while the Start Hub is designed to support individuals in developing and launching their own business ideas.
Speaking at the opening of Station House , Cllr. Brian O’Donoghue, Cathaoirleach of Tullow Municipal District, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “I am delighted to see this Town & Village project completed. This is a testament to the power of partnership, bringing together local government, community leaders, and enterprise stakeholders to create real opportunities for businesses and individuals in rural areas. This initiative will not only provide critical infrastructure but also foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in Hacketstown and beyond.”
Following the launch, Minister Calleary and the delegation travelled to Fenagh, where they viewed the newly installed village signage, admired the results of the paint scheme, and visited the wolf sculpture and planting project, all of which have enhanced the town’s visual appeal and community spirit.
The visit continued at Carlow Town Park, where the Minister was given an overview of the newly developed play and family facilities, designed to create an inclusive and engaging outdoor space for local families.
The Minister concluded his engagements at Teach Dolmen, where he attended the County Final of the National Enterprise Awards. The event celebrated entrepreneurial excellence in County Carlow, and [Winner’s Name] was crowned the County Winner for 2025. The winner will now progress to represent Carlow at the National Enterprise Awards in May.