Portumna

Minister of State, Anne Rabbitte officially launched Forge Works, sustainable co-working space in Gort.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The event was attended by Michael Brougham, Mark Christal, Enterprise Ireland, Gort Credit Union, The Burren Lowlands Board Members, Bernice Forde Carolan, Councillor Martina Kinane, Councillor Joe Byrne, Councillor Geraldine Donohue, Fiona O Driscoll, Gort Resource Centre, Wild Geese CEO Elodie Golden.
After the cutting of the ribbon and a tour of Forge Works, the group met at Lady Gregory Hotel for refreshments. Minister Rabbitte, Melissa Spencer, Hewlett Packard Europe and Mark Christal, Enterprise Ireland spoke with eloquence about Forge Works, Co-working and remote working.
Extract from Minister Rabbitte's speech:

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Laura's combined ingenuity and tenacity to realise her goals and her desire to help others do the same is self-evident here today. She has walked the walk and talked the talk.
Laura is so passionate about helping entrepreneurs, start-ups, remote workers on their journey to success.
She has wide-ranging experience in developing and operating tourism-related enterprises, as well as starting her own business, inventing and developing Aids to Independent living for the global market.
However, what is most remarkable, is that we are all standing here today and I am about to cut officially launch Forge Works.
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Laura was appointed Enterprise Development Manager by Burren Lowlands two years ago. I do not need to remind you of global events over the past two years!
Nestled in the heart of Gort this co-working space has super-fast Internet, modern design, abundant natural light, videoconference-ready personal workspaces, printing facilities, and Covid-19 mitigating mitigation measures.

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What we have all learned during the pandemic is that remote working works! As a remote worker myself, we moved to a fully remote team with ease, as we had the systems in place in advance of the pandemic.
Working during the pandemic hasn’t been easy for many individuals and startups. With imposed lockdowns and restricted movements, remote work made sense. Unfortunately, working from home has its fair share of challenges.
Remote working is undoubtedly great. No hassles of commuting, you create your own work schedule and can get your house in order.

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Unfortunately, you miss out on the little office banters, the frequent casual exchange between you and your colleagues. Working from home is more of a solitary existence and can end in feeling lonely and anxious.
Sometimes the best inspiration comes from switching environments. Those little conversations that you make on passing with coworkers in co-working spaces can teach you a thing or two.

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I know more than anyone that the line between work and life really gets blurry when working remotely. Psychologically, home is where you go to rest from work. Now imagine having to treat your home as a workplace; it can be confusing.

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Interactive co-working spaces can structure your day such that you have a place to clock in and out for work purposes. This means by the time you leave office, your work is done. 
Co-working spaces are gaining traction especially after the pandemic forced many companies to work remotely.

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Many co-working spaces have boardrooms for hosting meetings. So every once in a while, these places will be visited with people of different career backgrounds. Some of those might be related to what you do.
Taking part in networking events not only exposes you to new people but can run into new ideas and culture.

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Lastly, co-working spaces like Forge Works provide a professional environment to meet with clients.
My hope is that, with the support of the Government and Enterprise Ireland, we see the unveiling of similar hubs throughout East Galway and I will do everything in my power to ensure this becomes a reality.
Without further ado, I gives me great pleasure to cut the ribbon and officially launch Forge Works the blueprint for other co-working spaces. 
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<h2> Forge Works Vision</h2>
At Forge Works, their vision is simple and inclusive. Forge Works aim to grow and sustain business in the Burren Lowlands by opening up the world to the local community offering:
<ul>
<li>Modern oﬃce space that promotes productivity and collaboration</li>
<li>Mentoring and business supports from our Enterprise Development Manager and wide network of entrepreneurs and industry experts</li>
<li>Introducing and supporting Remote Work to Gort's and surrounding diverse rural community.</li>
<li>Encouraging and facilitating connections, Forge Works will host regular seminars, workshops and clinics for the Burren Business network and the wider community.</li>
<li>Supporting and promoting Local small business and experiences through the innovative xplore local community app</li>
</ul>
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<h2>About Burren Lowlands</h2>
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Burren Lowlands is a voluntary based organisation in South Galway and North Clare, whose aim is to make the region of a better place to live, work and visit.&nbsp;
They have been successful in building a strong community volunteer base, enterprise developments and tourism growth for this area that holds so much natural and built heritage.&nbsp;
With ongoing improvements to Gort town, an Enterprise Centre and Wild Atlantic Way loop is being developed for the region.

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<h1>Key Facilities at Forge Works</h1>
<ul>
<li>High Speed Broadband - Fast wireless Internet service, to facilitate your work - from uploading large ﬁles to video conferencing.</li>
<li>Videoconference-ready</li>
<li>Covid-19 mitigation measures include smart temperature checks, hand-washing facilities, and personal air ﬁltration systems.</li>
<li>Community Events - Topics from securing government supports to solving industry speciﬁc issues, to help you and your business get ahead and stay ahead.</li>
<li>Equipped Kitchen - Fully equipped kitchen, with a fridge, dishwasher, microwave and coffee making facilities</li>
</ul>

Forge Works - A Sustainable Co-working Space - Gort - Official Launch

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