Schools in Clare are set to receive significant grants to spend on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure, Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has said.
“All primary and post-primary schools in Clare are to receive a new grant to purchase key technology such as PCs, laptops, tablets and projectors. The grant can also be spent on Cloud based tools and software applications to support learning,” Deputy Carey explained.
“This is part of a €50 million investment in ICT infrastructure for all primary and post-primary schools. It is the fourth year of funding under the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 which takes total spend on Digital Strategy for Schools ICT Infrastructure Fund to €160 million.”
€40m of the fourth tranche of funding will be allocated to all primary and post primary schools, with grants based standard lump sum plus a rate based on enrolment numbers.
A further €10m to be allocated to schools which apply for additional funding supports and demonstrate evidence of effective embedding of digital technologies and Digital Learning Planning.
The announcement of the scheme in January ensures the €40 million grant funding will issue automatically before the end of March.
Details of how schools can apply for the €10 million additional fund will be confirmed before the end of the school year. A circular with full details for schools, including the application process will be published shortly.
“Clare schools with 100 pupils can expect to receive around €5,000 and those with 500 pupils will receive up to €18,000. At post-primary level, a 500 student school will receive almost €22,000 and for a school with 1,000 students the grant will be worth €41,000.
“This is hugely significant funding, bringing schools up to the minute in terms of the available technology and ensuring children have the best possible tools to support their learning,” Deputy Carey concluded.
