Nerea Martínez de Antoñana 


The Minister of Education and Skills, Joe McHugh, has recently announced the third year of funding under Project Ireland 2040 and it will reach all primary and post primary schools in the country. Minister McHugh highlighted the importance of the social transformation by digital technology and that’s why the Government’s total investment in this project will reach €110 million. 

The grants will be distributed through a standard sum and additional per-capita sums based on the size of the school. Moreover, during this year another €5 million will be allocated to recognise and support schools’ efforts to engage with digital technologies in teaching and learning. The objective of this monetary amount is to allow schools to apply for additional investment in order to encourage and support innovation in teaching and learning. 

The funding can be spent on technology such as desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, hybrid devices, projectors, cloud systems, software applications or learning platforms. From September 2018, there exists support available under the Digital Strategy for Schools to help schools to use digital technologies.

It should be noted that the Department of Education and Skills take care of the health and safety of all children, so the schools are recommended to have an Acceptable Usage Policy in place. Under the Broadband for Schools Programme they are provided with several services like security and filtering of content.

The Webwise programme is an internet safety initiative that promotes the autonomous, effective and safer use of the internet by young people. It is directed at schools leaders, teachers, parents and children. On the other hand, decisions about the use of pones in schools are a big issue, that’s why last year, the Department proposed to all schools to consult with the parents to reach an agreement about the policies related to digital devices. 


Read the full press release.