The gov.ie public services landscape was in focus this week as the Health Service Executive (HSE) CEO visited KITE day services centre in Kilkenny, shining a light on autism support, person-centred care and community inclusion. The visit underlines how frontline disability services across Ireland continue to support adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder through practical training, social development and independent living programmes.
Anne O’Connor, who became CEO of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in March, made her first official visit to Kilkenny in the role when she toured the Kilkenny Initiative for Training and Education (KITE) centre at Cedarwood, Loughboy. During the visit, she met staff and service users and heard directly about the impact of outreach and day supports for adults using the service.
Health Service Executive (HSE) visit highlights autism supports in Kilkenny
The Health Service Executive (HSE) CEO was joined by senior HSE personnel, including Roseanne Killeen, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager for Carlow-Kilkenny/Tipperary South in HSE Dublin and South East; Aoife O’Donohue, Assistant National Director with HSE Disability Services; and Aoife Fitzgerald, Disability Care Day Services Manager for Carlow-Kilkenny/Tipperary South.
The visit offered an opportunity to see how KITE supports adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder through structured and tailored programmes. According to the centre, the service combines outreach, training and individual supports designed to help service users navigate everyday life, education and community participation.
What KITE day services centre in Kilkenny provides
KITE’s work goes beyond traditional day services. The centre provides support, guidance and training to service providers developing services for adults with autism, while also delivering direct programmes for individuals.
Core areas of support
- Social skills development
- Stress management
- Anger management
- Independent living skills
- Self-organisation and planning
- Evening social support programmes
- Individual support during key life transitions
The service is rooted in a person-centred model, with a strong emphasis on helping people build confidence, participate in their communities and explore education or vocational options. It also supports individuals during college, helping them organise workloads, access learning supports and manage social situations.
Why this Health Service Executive (HSE) visit matters
The Health Service Executive (HSE) visit to KITE is significant because it brings national attention to local disability services that often make a direct difference in people’s daily lives. In a wider Irish public service context that includes departments such as Health, Social Protection, Education and Children/Disability/Equality, visits like this can help highlight effective community-based support models.
KITE Services Manager Yinka Beehan said staff and service users were delighted to welcome the CEO, noting that the visit included a tour of the building and garden, along with time for conversation over tea. Crucially, service users had the chance to explain in their own words how the support works for them.
KITE’s regional footprint across the south east
Currently, KITE operates across six sites in the south east:
- Two in Kilkenny, including a day service and an outreach service
- One in Carlow
- Three in County Wexford, located in Gorey, Enniscorthy and Wexford town
This regional presence reflects the broader role of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in connecting local communities with specialist disability supports. For families, carers and service users looking for trusted information, organisations linked to gov.ie, the Citizens Information Board and related public bodies remain key reference points.
Conclusion
The Health Service Executive (HSE) visit to KITE day services centre in Kilkenny was more than a ceremonial stop. It highlighted the value of person-centred autism services, community inclusion and practical supports that help adults build confidence and independence. As attention remains on disability service delivery in Ireland, KITE stands out as an example of how local care can create meaningful outcomes.
Article/Image Courtesy: HSE
