Smart Village Network Project - SVNP

18/09/2026

Yesterday, 17 September, Jim Murray, NWRC XR Hub Manager, joined the Eglinton Farming Day at Eglinton Community Hall as part of the Smart Villages Network Project.

Jim showcased a range of exciting digital technologies from the XR Hub, including a 3D printer, drone equipment and other digital tools, giving attendees the chance to see first-hand some of the technologies and activities that can be explored through the project.

It was a great opportunity to bring digital innovation directly into the community and demonstrate how emerging technologies can support learning, creativity and new opportunities in rural areas.

30/07/2026

"Small screens can make a big difference when people have the right support".

As part of the SVNP project our first Digital Skills for Beginners session brought nine older learners together at Eglinton Community Centre for practical, one-to-one guidance from AIFusion .

📱Using their own phones and tablets, participants learned how to adjust accessibility settings, use email with greater confidence and stay safer online.

This is what inclusive digital transformation looks like in practice: patient, tailored support that helps people use everyday technology with confidence.

🔗Read the full story: https://aifusion.ie/blog/svnp-eglinton-digital-skills-first-session

SVNP is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) - European Funding

Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB

Inside the Smart Village Network Project's first Digital Skills for Beginners session in Eglinton, delivered by AI Fusion for ERNACT.

30/06/2026

Yesterday, as part of the Smart Village Network Project, we hosted the first in our series of Social Inclusion workshops at Eglinton Community Hall.

Donna Cregan from AIFusion delivered training on basic digital skills for senior citizens, supporting participants to build confidence and feel more connected in an increasingly digital world. You can find more about AI fusion on their website www.aifusion.ie/

A sincere thank you to Debbie Caulfield, manager of Eglinton Community Hall, helping to make the workshop such a success. Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB ERNACT Donegal County Council Eglinton Community Hall Derry City & Strabane District Council

26/06/2026

🎥 Video Recap of this week's exchange visit which took place at theii.com (Inishowen Innovation), Buncrana.

Greencastle Centre Diamond Centre Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB

25/06/2026

🚢☀️We are at the Foyle Maritime Festival today where North West Regional College's XR Hub is showcasing practical digital innovation through hands-on demonstrations linked to immersive technology, drone technology, digital photography and creative digital media.

Through the Smart Village Network Project (SVNP), NWRC is supporting communities, businesses, rural hubs and local organisations to explore how emerging technologies can be used in accessible and practical ways.

Creative media equipment, including drones, cinema cameras, 360 action cameras, wireless audio technology and more, will be on display, highlighting the potential of digital tools to support local innovation and community development.

Come along and say hello to Tim & Louise to learn more!

Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB Derry City & Strabane District Council ERNACT Donegal County Council

24/06/2026

This morning, we held the next in our series of exchange visits as part of the Smart Village Network Project.

Hub Manager, Anne Marie McLaughlin, gave a very informative presentation on Inishowen Innovation - ii, followed by a tour of the facilities.

These exchange visits continue to play an important role in strengthening cooperation across the border counties, sharing knowledge, and supporting innovation in local community hubs.

A sincere thank you to all participants for joining us and contributing to the discussion.

Greencastle Centre Diamond Centre Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB ERNACT

16/06/2026

🎥A look back at last month's highlights from the official launch of the Smart Village Network Project.

Supported by PEACEPLUS, the €4.9 million cross-border project will strengthen digital innovation, sustainability and social inclusion across rural communities in the North West City Region.

🎥Watch to hear more about SVNP’s plans to develop a network of digital hubs across Derry-Strabane and Donegal.

Derry City & Strabane District Council Donegal County Council ERNACT North West Regional College Ulster University

09/06/2026

Last week, SVNP partners came together for the second combined planned exchange visit to gteic Carraig Airt and gteic An Tearmann.

The visit provided partners with another valuable opportunity to explore the hubs participating in the project, learn more about their local context, and exchange experiences on the role of hubs in supporting local communities.

Participants took part in detailed tours of the facilities, followed by constructive discussions and a Q&A session focused on good practices, shared challenges, and opportunities for innovation.

These exchange visits play an important role in strengthening cooperation, sharing knowledge, and supporting innovation in local community hubs across Europe.

A sincere thank you to gteic Carraig Airt and gteic An Tearmann for hosting the visits and warmly welcoming the SVNP partners, with special thanks to Hubs Manager Majella Orr.

Craoibhin CoWork Plus Tearmann

14/05/2026

Yesterday, partners gathered for the project’s first Exchange Visit at The BASE in Stranorlar, County Donegal.

The exchange, facilitated by Roksana Oliinyk from ERNACT, provided participants with the opportunity to visit one of the 12 hubs involved in he project. They had the chance to learn from Eunan & Leah about the history of The BASE, its local context, activities and services, while also discussing good practices and shared challenges.

The visit included presentations, a detailed tour of the facilities, and valuable exchanges between partners during the Q&A session.

These exchange visits play an important role in strengthening cooperation, sharing experiences, and supporting innovation in local community hubs across Europe.

A sincere thank you to The BASE Manager Eunan Quinn and Leah Fairman for organising and hosting the visit.

11/05/2026

The Smart Village Network Project was officially launched at the Guildhall in Derry-Londonderry yesterday, marking the start of a €4.9m PEACEPLUS-supported initiative focused on digital innovation, sustainability and inclusion across the North West City Region.

Hosted by Jeananne Craig, the launch event brought together government representatives, project partners and the 12 participating hubs from across the region.

Speakers included Minister Andrew Muir MLA, Esther Baird from the Special EU Programmes Body, and Kieran Moylan from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

Cllr Ruairí McHugh, Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, and Cllr Paul Canning, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, also addressed attendees, highlighting the importance of cross-border collaboration in supporting resilient and connected rural communities.

We were pleased to welcome guest speaker Leah Fairman, National Hubs Executive with Connected Hubs and former hub manager as she shared insights on how digital hubs can support digital inclusion, remote working, skills development, innovation and local enterprise growth in rural areas.

ERNACT Chairperson, Cllr Martin Reilly, closed the proceedings, reaffirming the importance of continued cross-border collaboration in supporting innovation, connectivity and sustainable community development across the region.

Read more about the launch here 🔗 https://svnp-hubs.com/svnp-official-launch-guidhall/

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