The former Guinness Print Depot in the Liberties area of Dublin is set to be transformed into a hi-tech centre for companies in the digital media sector.
The refurbishment is part of the digital hub project, a Government initiative to encourage innovation and research in this sector and to establish a base in Ireland for companies involved in digital media such as film and television, music, animation, design, post production and computer games.
The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, today announced funding of €2.3 million for the project which is a joint venture between Enterprise Ireland, Dublin City Council and The Digital Hub.
Work on the centre, located in Dublin’s Thomas Street, is expected to begin shortly and will be completed next summer. The 20,000 square foot facility will have access to high-speed broadband technology and will be designed to meet the needs of start-up companies as well as more established operations. It will house up to 20 companies, employing between 150 and 180 people.
Dublin City Council is providing architectural, planning and professional services for the project.
The Tánaiste acknowledged the importance of developing the digital media sector in the Republic.
"Enterprise Ireland has identified the Digital Media sector as one of the best opportunities for Ireland to develop our high technology internationally traded services sector. Knowledge driven technology employment has contributed greatly to our economic prosperity and will continue to represent the future of the economy," she said.