Tuesday, 3 August 2021
Donegal.ie hosted a Remote Working webinar last Thursday (29th of July) which featured a panel discussion with special guests and dignitaries, including the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Jack Murray and Chief Executive, John McLaughlin. The event included the introduction of Donegal County Council’s Remote Working Strategy for Business, becoming the first county council in Ireland to launch such a strategy.
Head of Economic Development for Donegal County Council, Anne Marie Conlon presented the strategy to the audience and showcased the “Donegal offering” available to individuals who chose to remote work in Donegal, including the excellent quality of life Donegal offers and the growing economy, digital connectivity and digital hubs within the county. The Strategy also showcased the work currently being actioned in Donegal, including the regeneration of remote working spaces and hubs promoting the new place brand within the region.
Hosted by General Council of Bartra and Secretary for the Donegal Dublin Business Network, Sally Anne Sherry, the event heard from 5 individuals on their Remote/Hybrid Working experience within Donegal.
Vice President of Engineering with Irish restaurant software company Flipdish, Brian Kelly outlined how he made the move from Boston to Donegal after employers began to embrace remote working after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mícheál Ó Duibhir, Economic Development Officer for Údarás na Gaeltachta and manager of the gTeic@GaothDobhair hub outlined the changing dynamic of individuals within the hubs in Donegal.
New Zealand native, Lance Feaver of Feaver Planning explains how he made the move to Donegal while continuing to work as a town planner in New Zealand. His base within Donegal has allowed him and his team to achieve a 24-hour workday.
Project Manager for WestBIC, Alison McGonagle, who works with start-ups and entrepreneurs in the West of Ireland outlines how the pandemic has presented an opportunity for entrepreneurs as services available to them have now moved online.
Lastly, Rachel Craig, founder of EU Remote Jobs provided helpful hints and tips on applying and obtaining a remote job within Europe. Now based in Barcelona, the Inishowen native embraced the opportunity of remote working allowed her to spend more time in Donegal after initially leaving Ireland as a result of the financial crises.
