€95,000 for Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB to support community education
MINISTER of State Alan Dillon has welcomed the announcement of €94,975 in funding for Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) through the Reach Fund.
The funding will directly support learners who face barriers to education.
A total of €4.5m has been allocated nationally to support over 100,000 educationally disadvantaged learners, with more than 700 local community education groups set to benefit. The funding will be administered by SOLAS through the 16 ETBs nationwide, including Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB.
Said Minister Dillon: “I am delighted to see this targeted investment in community education for Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim. The €94,975 allocation will directly support learners who face barriers to education, helping them build skills, confidence, and pathways to further opportunities. This is about empowering individuals and strengthening communities.”
The Reach Fund supports learners through personal development and skills-building, accessible and simplified pathways into Further Education and Training (FET), as well as opportunities to progress into apprenticeships, employment or higher education.
Minister Dillon continued: “Community education is a vital part of our education system. It fosters inclusion, supports active citizenship, and helps people re-engage with learning in a welcoming and flexible environment. This funding will make a real difference in Mayo and across the region.”
The Reach Fund was originally introduced in 2020 to support disadvantaged learners during the Covid-19 pandemic. It has since evolved into a key funding stream for community education, supporting climate literacy, education for sustainable development, and social cohesion.
“I want to commend the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB and all local community education providers for their dedication and innovation. This funding is a recognition of their work and a commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind,” concluded Minister Dillon.