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One of the finalists in the 1997 European Telework Awards,
Kinawley Integrated Teleworking Enterprise Ltd, announces a major new
expansion of Teleworking in Kinawley
On Tuesday, 16th June KITE announced the formal opening of the second phase of development. Almost 200 guests and VIP's gathered together for the official opening held in glorious sunshine in Fermanagh. The official opening was performed by Mr Hugh Logue from DGXII in Brussels. He was joined by Minister for Science, trade and technology in the Republic and by representatives from the Childhood fund and PROTEUS both funders to the project. Speaking at the launch Hugh Logue said "All of us,
it's human like to be associated with winners, all the more so when winners
are against the odds which Kinawley can claim. It is a measure of the
people and the project that all disadvantage can be turned to advantage,
and from each disadvantage a potential benefit was recognised that makes
this a unique project in the European landscape" He went on to say "It is a pleasure to recognise the contribution of the Peace and reconciliation fund". This from the man who played a key role as advisor to two presidents Delores and Santer on the creation of the NI Special support programme for Peace and Reconciliation. KITE located in the small rural community of Kinawley with its population of 700 people is now regarded as one of the biggest employers in its community. This second phase of development marks significant progress of the company which was established in 1993. The first phase saw the development of a telecottage which consisted of a computer work suite and an on site childcare facility. In this second phase of development, these facilities are enhanced with a new office block, an after-school childcare facility and the transformation of the existing office into a training suite.
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original workforce of eight people is now at eighteen with plans to increase
this up to thirty-five. Speaking before the opening Sheila McCaffrey said
"KITE is at the stage of finishing its second phase of development,
this has been a significant time for the company. The work has been hard
and long but now looking at the finished product it has been worthwhile.
I have every confidence that this community will continue to put technology
into practice in a positive and worthwhile way. There will ultimately
be spin off into more businesses which will grow and enhance this community."
.... KITE has been the first providers She continued "we know that rural communities like Kinawley cannot compete with the large urban areas for the big inward investors but here in our community the new jobs promised by KITE means as the big announcements of 100's of jobs in any city. It has comparable economic impact. It builds and strengthens our community" Moving to Childcare, KITE have been the first providers of Childcare in this county. Their record has been exceptional in providing quality childcare that is affordable. Their recent enhancement of childcare has meant that a new after-school facility has been opened. This means that children from school going age up to twelve can be cared for after school hours and during holiday time. The stimulating surroundings in the childcare facility has become a much sought after commodity by the users. This is enhanced by full out door facilities. Siobhan Fitzpatrick, Director of NIPPA and Chair of the Early Years Fund said "Childcare investment is crucial in Northern Ireland. For too long we have lagged behind our EU counterparts in investing in one of the most important things - our children. I welcome this very positive step forward being made by KITE. It serves as an example to all of us of what can be achieved in a rural area." The total investment for KITE in this second phase has been just over £500,000. For further information
please contact KITE - Tel: 01365 348943 Fax: 01365 348944 |
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