€65M Boost for Schools: Digital Learning & Infrastructure
A Major Investment for Irish Schools
Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee has announced a €65 million investment to enhance digital learning and upgrade school infrastructure across Ireland. This funding, comprising €35 million for ICT and €30 million for minor works, will empower special, primary, and post-primary schools to create modern, technology-rich learning environments.
What’s Included in the Funding
The €65 million package targets critical areas:
- ✔ €35 million for ICT infrastructure to advance digital learning, supporting programs like the Digital Skills Curriculum, which aligns with the STE curriculum, as well as device and connectivity upgrades.
- ✔ €30 million for minor works to improve school facilities, including ventilation, furniture, and outdoor learning spaces.
Why This Investment Matters
This funding aligns with the *Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027*, enabling schools to prepare students for a tech-driven future by enhancing digital literacy, upgrading technology, and improving learning environments.
Key Benefits for Schools
The funding offers schools flexibility to address their unique needs, with programs like the Digital Skills Curriculum providing lasting value by teaching coding and digital skills that complement the STE curriculum, unlike hardware alone, which offers shorter-term benefits.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Future-Ready Skills | Programs like the Digital Skills Curriculum align with the STE curriculum, fostering coding and digital literacy. |
| Enhanced Facilities | Funds upgrades for safer, more welcoming learning spaces. |
| School Autonomy | Schools can prioritise projects to meet their specific needs. |
| Inclusive Support | Special needs students benefit from targeted funding at €74 per pupil. |
Maximising the ICT Grant
Teachers and schools can make strategic use of the €35 million ICT grant to achieve lasting impact:
- ✔ Prioritise Skill Development: Invest in programs like the Digital Skills Curriculum to teach coding and digital literacy, enhancing the STE curriculum and preparing students for future careers.
- ✔ Optimise Technology Use: Combine hardware upgrades, like tablets or interactive whiteboards, with software that supports engaging, curriculum-aligned lessons.
- ✔ Enhance Teacher Confidence: Fund professional development to help educators integrate digital tools effectively into their teaching.
- ✔ Align with School Goals: Engage staff and parents to ensure ICT investments meet the school’s unique priorities and student needs.
Who Can Benefit?
All recognised special, primary, and post-primary schools in Ireland are eligible, with ICT funding supporting digital learning and minor works grants tailored for primary and special schools.
Enhance Digital Learning with the ICT Grant
The €35 million ICT grant is a fantastic opportunity for schools to advance digital skills education without the burden of additional equipment. The Digital Skills Curriculum seamlessly integrates with existing student devices—like Chromebooks or iPads—eliminating the need for new hardware or complicated setup.
A Trusted and Versatile Curriculum
Hundreds of schools across Ireland rely on the Digital Skills Curriculum for its engaging, high-quality lessons. With the ICT grant providing €25 per pupil, this curriculum offers exceptional value, allowing schools to allocate remaining funds to other priorities while enhancing digital education.
- ✔ Designed to align with the NCCA framework
- ✔ Available in both English and Irish
- ✔ Includes comprehensive teacher resources
Next Steps
The €35 million ICT funding will be issued soon, with €30 million for minor works following for the 2025/26 school year. Schools can use these funds to invest in programs that build lasting skills or upgrade infrastructure, guided by Department of Education resources.
Coding Ireland
