Minister confirms almost €95,000 for Mayo Sligo and Leitrim under Reach Fund

Minister of State for Further Education Marian Harkin TD has announced almost €95,000 in funding for Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) as part of a national investment in community education.

The announcement was made alongside Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless, with more than €4.5 million being allocated nationally to support over 100,000 educationally disadvantaged learners.

This year’s package will see MSLETB receive €94,975, while Donegal ETB has been awarded €204,890. In total, more than 700 local community education projects across the country will benefit.

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Minister Harkin said, “Community education lies at the heart of our Further Education and Training system. It not only benefits learners but strengthens communities and supports a vibrant, democratic society. This funding will allow MSLETB and Donegal ETB to continue breaking down barriers to education, offering real opportunities for those who need it most — from young people and early school leavers to people with disabilities, migrants, and those impacted by disadvantage.”

“In recent years, we have prioritised investment in community education, and the Reach Fund has been central to this effort. Demand for services has grown significantly, with learner numbers rising rapidly across the country,” Minister Harkin continued.

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“At a time when social cohesion and active citizenship are more important than ever, we must continue to support the learners who need it most and recognise the transformative power of community education.”

She noted that investment in community education has been a priority in recent years, with the Reach Fund playing a central role as demand for services and learner numbers continue to grow.

The Reach Fund 2025 is intended to help learners build skills, develop personally, and access new educational pathways, making participation in Further Education and Training more straightforward and flexible.