towntalk
"what is told in the ear of a man is often heard 100 miles away" - Chinese Proverb
New engineering roles as iDirect to set up centre in Killarney SATELLITE ground infrastructure provider iDirect will tap into the technology-rich Killarney region to create more than 30 specialised engineering jobs over the course of five years. VT iDirect, Inc (iDirect), a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology and a company of Vision Technologies Systems, Inc (VT Systems), today announced it will establish an engineering and innovation centre in Killarney. The facility will help to create new engineering jobs in a technologyrich region of the world. iDirect, which now has offices in The Reeks Gateway building in Killarney, is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology. The project is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation through Industrial Development Agency (IDA) Ireland. iDirect established its presence in Ireland following its 2014 acquisition of intellectual property (IP) from locally based Altobridge. The new engineering roles that will be created at the facility will focus on software, firmware, hardware, radio frequency and systems engineering technologies. “Satellite connectivity requires some of the best engineers in the world lending their unique set of skills to help solve highly critical challenges,” said Mary Cotton, CEO, iDirect. She added: “At iDirect, we are always looking for exceptional engineering talent, and we are thrilled to be opening a new Engineering and Innovation Centre right in the heart of Ireland, a country that is rich in talented, highly skilled technical engineers.”
IDA CEO Martin Shanahan pictured during a recent visit to iDirect’s new offices at The Reeks Gateway building in Killarney with iDrect’s VP of HR Amy Cahoon and senior engineer Tim Moriarty.
Welcome for new jobs in Killarney NEWS that satellite ground infrastructure provider iDirect is to create more than 30 specialised engineering jobs in Kerry has been welcomed in the county. The company announced on Tuesday that it would establish an engineering and innovation centre in Killarney’s Reeks Gateway development. The new engineering roles that will be created at the facility will focus on software, firmware, hardware, radio frequency and systems engineering technologies. Kerry Fine Gael TD Brendan Griffin stated the news was “a great boost on the jobs front for Killarney and Kerry”. Deputy Griffin also praised the role of the IDA and Department of Jobs in landing this investment in Killarney. Also welcoming the news was Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mary Mitchell O’Connor, who complimented the company on its new investment and said: “Bringing 30 quality technical jobs to County Kerry is very welcome and Killarney will benefit significantly from this investment. I am very supportive of attracting skilled jobs to regional centres. “This is an endorsement of the Government’s work in driving FDI to locations outside the main urban areas and, also on skills provision. It is very rewarding that
projects like this, requiring specialist engineering expertise, can be located in a regional location. This new initiative will enhance Ireland’s reputation for other new specialist ICT investments.” IDA Ireland’s CEO Martin Shanahan said: “This is a unique technology project in a regional location like Killarney. It will be a valuable addition to the telecommunications sector in Ireland, and will be well positioned to respond to continuous growth in demand for satellite technologies in the EMEA region. "The availability of appropriate technology talent and skills in the South West was an important consideration for the company and points to County Kerry being an excellent location for other companies in the sector. I wish the company every success here.”
The Reeks Gateway.
Positivity generated by people power IT’S the personal stories behind the annual charity extravaganza that make the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle so special. I mean, where else would you get volunteers of all ages manning teapots and water decanters and stewarding a 180km/112mile route from dawn till dusk? Between the volunteers and the ranks of cyclists some heart-warming stories emerged on
Saturday during the 33rd annual cycle, see our coverage on pages 22, 24 and 26. All in all, it has been a positive week in Killarney, what with triple celebrations for the Kerry senior, minor and junior football teams following a trio of Munster championship titles. This was followed by news that the town is to welcome 30 new specialised engineering jobs which are to be provided by world-leading communications technology company iDirect. Meanwhile, a sense of exuberance prevailed
on the streets of the town on July 4 for the now-annual extravaganza to mark America’s Independence Day and another carnival atmosphere is expected this Sunday at the 231st annual Killarney Regatta.
•Have you got a story or an opinion you would like to share? Contact The Editor, Killarney Advertiser, Unit 1C Park Place, Killarney, telephone 064-6632215 or email newsdesk@killarneyadvertiser.ie
06 Killarney Advertiser 08.07.16
EVE KELLIHER, EDITOR