Dr Jimmy Devins TD Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Launches ‘ Elevate, Learning at the Digital Hub’

Dublin’s South West Inner City

Dr Jimmy Devins TD Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation today (June 5th) launched ‘Elevate’ the new brand for all learning activities organised by the Digital Hub in Dublin’s South West Inner City.

Speaking at the event Minister Devins said,‘‘ In 2000 the Irish Government had a vision to create an international centre of excellence for knowledge, innovation and creativity. Located in the historic area of the Liberties, just a ten-minute walk from the city centre, it was envisaged that the Digital Hub would focus on digital content and technology enterprises. I am very happy to recognise the tremendous work done by the Digital Hub Development Agency in realising this vision.

Today, there are 90 digital media companies located in the Hub employing over 700 people. It is a remarkable success and I congratulate the Chairperson of DHDA, Professor Joyce O’Connor and the CEO, Philip Flynn and his staff in bringing the dream to such a tangible level of reality.

The Hub is very conscious of the educational history of the Liberties and has worked with the local community and with the 16 schools in the immediate area to develop the Liberties Learning Initiative was developed. Several innovative programmes, initiatives and projects have been implemented within the three strands of the Liberties Learning Initiative. ‘Elevate’ is the new brand for all learning activities organised by the Digital Hub.

The focus of these projects has always been on 21^st century learning skills and on the provision of modern ICT skill-sets to enable the community to prepare for employment in the digital media companies being established in the Hub and further afield.

‘‘As Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Innovation I particularly appreciate that the project and school-based initiatives have a central focus on creativity, flexibility and problem-solving skills. These are the critical skills required in a knowledge economy and, in particular, in the digital media industry. Digital technology is playing a crucial role in developing the definition of literacy to incorporate the use of a range of audio and visual technologies to source, evaluate, construct, edit and produce resources and communications. Today’s launch of Elevate –‘Learning at the Digital Hub’ clearly demonstrates that the pupils of the Liberties, both first and second levels, are confident in the use of modern technologies to present their work.’’ concluded Minister Devins.

Dr. Devins speech is also available on the Departments website at www.djei.ie