Primary schools in Mayo to benefit from increased capitation funding

Primary schools in Mayo will receive an increase in their capitation funding which will issue over the coming days, Minister of State Alan Dillon has announced.

Budget 2025 contained a significant increase in school funding, with funding per pupil for day-to-day expenses – known as the capitation rate – increasing from €200 to €224 per student. Enhanced rates apply for students with additional needs.

Minister Dillon said: “This week, primary schools in Mayo will receive their second capitation payment of the year, the first payment with the increase in funding, which will see schools receive €224 per pupil, up from €200 last year.

“This funding is crucial for schools, helping them to meet the cost of energy, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general upkeep. Not only will this increase in capitation benefit schools in meeting their costs, but it will also benefit students and those who work in our schools right across Mayo.

The Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, added: “I welcome this significant increase in capitation spending, which will benefit schools across Mayo. I and this government are committed to increasing funding to support schools, and the Programme for Government commits to increasing capitation funding to schools of all types to ensure that schools can meet their day-to-day costs.”