New Civil Service Hub for Craigavon welcomed

Historically most staff have had to travel to Belfast to work though Upper Bann MLA John O’Dowd said the addition of these new hubs is welcomed.

Announced this week by Finance Minister Conor Murphy, the e-hubs will be using existing town centre public buildings and work on the Craigavon hub is expected next year.

Mr O’Dowd said: “Historically, places of work within the civil service have been concentrated in Belfast. Staff working closer to home means less time travelling, less pollution associated with travel and will be huge boost for the local economy. This is a significant step in terms of decentralisation by Minister Murphy. I will continue to press for further investment in areas across Upper Bann.”

The first Connect2 hubs are expected to open in Ballykelly and Downpatrick in the spring. They will only become operational when appropriate in line with health advice and health protection regulations.

More hubs will be in Ballymena, Craigavon, Omagh and the Antrim/Newtownabbey area next year. Hubs in Londonderry, Enniskillen, Newry and the Bangor/Newtownards area are planned for 2023.

Mr Murphy said timelines for different hubs are based on the estimated time required to identify and equip suitable buildings in each area.

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