The country’s first rural digital hub, the Ludgate, in Skibbereen, is to open a second centre in West Cork and establish an “academy” to teach other communities how to set up similar initiatives.

A group of artists based in West Cork have set up a shop in Skibbereen which could become a blueprint for others.

DEMOLITION work is due to start next week to clear a site for West Cork’s new €4.5 million arts centre.