Cookies Policy
Connected Hubs Members Platform – Cookies Policy | Effective Date: 6 October 2025
Information About Our Use of Cookies
Like most websites, the Connected Hubs Members Platform (the “Platform”) uses cookies to make your browsing experience smoother, more secure, and more relevant. Cookies help us:
Remember your preferences and login details.
Understand how members use the Platform so we can improve it.
Personalise your experience and content.
Ensure certain features (such as forms, logins, and event registration) work correctly.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that websites place on your device (computer, phone, or tablet). They help websites remember your actions and preferences — such as login status, language, or settings — over a period of time.
Cookies can be:
Session cookies: deleted when you close your browser.
Persistent cookies: stored for longer to recognise you on your next visit.
You can find general information about cookies at www.allaboutcookies.org.
Types of Cookies We Use
| Type | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Essential (Strictly Necessary) | Required for the Platform to work properly. Includes login sessions and security-related cookies. | Session identifiers for logged-in users. |
| Analytics / Performance | Help us understand how members use the Platform so we can improve design and usability. | Google Analytics, Hotjar. |
| Functionality | Remember your preferences and settings, such as keeping you logged in or remembering form choices. | User profile preferences. |
| Targeting / Social Media | Allow interaction with social platforms or embedded content (such as YouTube or LinkedIn). | Facebook Pixel, embedded media cookies. |
Third-Party Cookies
We may use trusted third-party services to analyse usage and improve performance. These may include:
| Provider | Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | _ga, _ga_* | Tracks anonymous visitor activity to help us understand Platform performance. | Up to 13 months |
| Hotjar | _hjSessionUser_*, _hjSession_* | Provides anonymised heatmaps and analytics for user experience improvements. | Up to 1 year |
| Facebook / Meta | _fbp | Tracks engagement for Connected Hubs social media campaigns. | 3 months |
These third-party services do not collect personally identifiable information through our use of cookies.
Your Choices
When you first visit the Platform, a cookie banner will appear allowing you to accept or manage your cookie preferences.
Necessary cookies are always active to ensure the Platform functions.
Analytics and functionality cookies will only be used with your consent.
You can withdraw or update your cookie preferences at any time using the cookie settings link at the bottom of the page.
You can also block cookies through your browser settings, but please note this may affect how the Platform works.
To opt out of Google Analytics across all websites, visit tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookies Policy periodically to reflect changes in technology or legal requirements. Updates will be published on this page with a revised effective date.
Contact
If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact:
Data Protection Representative
Western Development Commission
Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, Ireland
Email: dataprotection@connectedhubs.ie
Connected Hubs is a central driver of the Irish National Hub Network, a Government of Ireland initiative aimed at establishing and strategically expanding a network of interconnected hub facilities throughout the country. Connected Hubs is a Government of Ireland initiative under Our Rural Future. Connected Hubs is managed by the Western Development Commission in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
