A digital dawn for Leitrim schools with over half a million in funding secured

Primary and secondary schools in Leitrim are set to benefit from a funding boost, with a total allocation of €581,139 as part of a national funding package.

The funding is drawn from a combined €35 million ICT (Information and Communication Technology) infrastructure package and a further €30 million allocated for minor works in primary and special schools. 

As part of this package, Leitrim primary schools will receive €176,851 in ICT funding, while secondary schools in the county will receive €104,288.

In addition, €300,000 has been allocated for minor works in Leitrim’s primary and special schools.

In Sligo, schools will receive €329,883 in ICT funding for primary schools and €195,273 in for secondary schools.

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Sligo will receive a further €500,000 in minor works funding for primary and special schools.

The minor works grants will support essential improvements including mechanical and electrical upgrades, furniture and equipment purchases, ventilation and outdoor learning enhancements, ICT equipment and infrastructure.

Sligo-Leitrim TD and Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Skills, Marian Harkin, welcomed the investment and emphasised the importance of local decision-making in the use of these grants.

"This is a significant and very welcome investment in our schools, and I particularly welcome the targeted support for ICT and essential maintenance. 

“It is about preparing our young people in Leitrim and Sligo for a digital future. Whether it’s coding, communication tools, or critical thinking – this investment supports the skills our children need to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” she said.

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Minister Harkin added that each school is best placed to determine its own priorities, whether that may be fixing a roof or investing in digital platforms.

“This funding puts that decision-making power in the hands of those who know their communities and students best.”

“As we strive to ensure our children are equipped for the challenges of a modern world, funding like this is critical to both their learning environments and their future opportunities,” Minister Harkin concluded.