€2.6m. to support digital learning and minor building works in Mayo
FUNDING of €2.6 million has been announced for primary, post-primary and special schools in Mayo by Education Minister Norma Foley.
Some €50 million in grant funding for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) will issue shortly to all recognised primary and post-primary schools across the country, while a separate €29 million in minor works funding is being provided to primary and special schools.
The ICT funding will help schools continue to use digital technologies in their teaching, learning and assessment, while the minor works funding can be used by these schools for maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds.
Said Minister Foley: “I am pleased to be announcing funding which will support primary, post-primary and special schools in Mayo and throughout Ireland to enhance both school settings and teaching and learning, to benefit our pupils and students.
“ICT grant funding will support schools to ensure they can continue to embed the use of digital technologies in their teaching, learning and assessment.
“Digital technologies can open up a world of opportunities to our pupils and students. It is important that schools can properly equip our young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding to harness the benefits of such technologies.”
The Digital Strategy ICT grant will consist of a €2,000 basic grant for primary schools plus an additional payment of €39 per mainstream pupil, €43 per pupil in DEIS schools and €47 per pupil with special educational needs attending a special school or attending a special class attached to a mainstream primary school. For example, a 100 pupil-primary school will receive €5,973 and a 500 pupil- primary school will receive €21,865.
Post-primary schools will be paid a €2,000 basic grant plus €47 per mainstream student and €52 per student in DEIS schools. A 500 student- post-primary school would receive €25,840 and a 1,000 student-post-primary school would receive €49,680.
Meanwhile, arrangements are now being made for the payment of €29 million in minor works grants to primary schools and special schools. This will support the operation of the primary schools for the forthcoming 2024/25 school year. The lead-in period ahead of the new school year will give schools good time to consider plans and priorities for use of the funding.