13 September 2000

"INTEC CENTRE IS SYMBOL OF HOPE AND UNITY IN FERMANAGH", SAYS FARREN

An innovative new centre which will become a symbol of hope and unity for Fermanagh was opened today in Enniskillen by Dr Sean Farren, Minister for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment.

Speaking as he opened the Interactive Technology Centre (INTEC) in the town, the Minister said that giving people the chance to improve their skills and knowledge at their own speed and where and when they wanted was vital in encouraging lifelong learning.

He said: "This new Interactive Centre will provide a huge number of opportunities for the people of Fermanagh.

"It will allow people to learn within the framework of Government's new on-line learning programme for Adults, Learndirect, and will assist local enterprise in e-commerce and business. More importantly, all the facilities have been tailored towards specific local education and economic development needs."

The new Centre will be used for training and education programmes for both businesses and adults in the community and boasts state of the art interactive technology facilities and start-up business incubation units.

Congratulating all those involved in establishing the Centre, the Minister added: "The Fermanagh-University Partnership Board, which was formed in 1995 building on a relationship between Fermanagh District Council and University of Ulster, have shown vision and foresight with their Higher Bridges Project, of which this new Centre represents the completion of Phase 1. I am sure that it will prove to be a symbol of hope and unity for Enniskillen and indeed everyone in County Fermanagh".

The opening ceremony included a video-conferencing link with the Ireland Institute in Pittsburgh under the auspices of the Fermanagh-Pittsburgh Alliance and was attended by a wide range of people from all sections of the community.

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Fermanagh-University Partnership Board was formed in 1995 to create an integrated approach to the local provision of education and training as a stimulus to the local economy and its enhancement of community life.

The Board then set up the Higher Bridges Project in 1998 with the aim of providing lifelong learning opportunities. It is considered a flagship social and economic project for County Fermanagh.

The new Interactive Technology Centre completes Phase 1 of the Higher Bridges Project. Phase 2 will see the opening of the Higher Bridges Building on the site of the Remembrance Day bomb, and this powerful and futuristic structure will, in tandem with the INTEC Centre, create an impressive architectural gateway to Enniskillen town centre.

Phase 3 will link the two buildings with a walkway and provide environmental improvements to the waterfront areas thus joining two sites that have been previously physically and culturally divided.