About Us
Our Journey
With all great challenges come great opportunities…
The closure of the Ulster Bank on the Main Street of Edgeworthstown on the 7th of September 2017 was a devastating blow to the local community. The former Bank is a landmark building and a protected heritage structure built in the Queen Anne Revival style.
Edgeworthstown District Development Association clg, approached Longford County Council with the idea of purchasing the building to convert it into a co-working hub. In 2018 Longford County Council successfully purchased the building.
Aiming to contribute with the advancement of both the economic and social development of Edgeworthstown and surrounding areas, a new voluntary committee Edgeworthstown Enterprise Hub clg, was formed to repurpose this fine heritage building. The co:worx digital hub project was born.
As well as the revitalization of the original structure using best practice conservation principles, the committee has pushed this concept further.
Taking acknowledgement of the community’s needs, the project has been complemented with a contemporary designed Development Centre with an adjoining green space.
Awards & Recognition - Winner 2021 Digital Town - Medium Town
Using digital to transform the community co:worx, a digital working hub was created. Its aim is to be a transformative, sustainable initiative enabling the growth of the region’s economy, including remote working, fostering collaboration and reskilling projects including digital literacy, English language classes, and SME adoption of digital. Visit website >>
Finalist in Innovation in Politics Institute 2021
The co:worx project has also contributed to the Longford County Council’s Rural Working Hub Strategy which was shortlisted as a finalist in the Innovation in Politics Awards 2021. Visit Website >>
Our Team
Luiz Roque
Having spent the last 10 years in New Zealand, Luiz gained experience in an array of roles from Logistics to Procurement, Account Management and ultimately running his own business.
From one island to another, in 2021 he found himself selling the company in order to settle down in Ireland with his wife and (half Brazilian – half Irish with a kiwi twang) little son.
Most recently he decided to brush up on his tech skills enrolling on a master’s degree in Data Analytics from TUS.
He’s a true believer that great things are better achieved with a cup of coffee in hand. Don’t be shy, pop by at any time for a chat and a hot brew.
Bernie Lynch
With over 20 years of experience in administration and supervisory roles, Bernie has what it takes to keep co:worx running smoothly. As our Customer Support Specialist, she supports all day to day admin activities as well as being our hosting superstar. When she’s not crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s at the hub, you’ll find her having a great time making her garden look beautiful.
Funders
The co:worx project was supported and assisted by Longford Local Community Development Committee, Longford Community Resources CLG and Longford County Council through the Rural Development Programme (LEADER) 2014-2020, which is partially financed by the EU, “The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural area”. The Department of Rural & Community Development, Town and Village funding, Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund, Built Heritage Investment Scheme, and the Connected Hubs fund.
Our Network/ Partners
co:worx activities contributes to a growing community of hubs nationwide. Members will share, connect and benefit from both the knowledge and skills base from the following networks.
