Donegal schools have been allocated €1.4 million to support digital learning and fund minor building works.
Primary schools in Donegal are set to receive €871,838, with post-primary schools in the county getting €527,890.
The allocation is part of a €65 million investment package announced by the Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee.
A total o f €35 million in funding for Information and Computer Technology (ICT) infrastructure will issue shortly to all recognised special, primary and post-primary schools, while €30 million in minor works funding will be provided to primary and special schools to use for maintenance and small-scale improvements.
Welcoming the announcement, Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue said “The benefits of ICT in schools include enhanced learning, improved teaching and increased efficiency. It also helps pupils prepare for the digital age by developing digital literacy, preparing for future careers and fostering creativity and innovation.”
“Donegal has been allocated the fourth highest amount after Dublin, Cork and Galway in this latest government funding announcement,” the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy added.
“The maintenance of schools on an ongoing basis is extremely important. By maintaining and carrying out improvement works, pupils and students can be provided with the necessary support and learning environment that will help them to develop and grow,” he said.
In the case of a primary school the Digital Strategy ICT grant will consist of a €2,000 basic grant plus €25.33 per mainstream pupil, €30.40 per pupil with special needs attending a special school or attending a special class attached to a mainstream school, and €27.86 per pupil in DEIS schools. For example, a 100-pupil primary school will receive €4,533 and a 500-pupil school will receive €14,665.
In the case of a post-primary school this will consist of a €2,000 basic grant plus €30.40 per mainstream student and €33.44 per student in DEIS schools. A 500-student school would receive €17,200 and a 1,000-student school would receive €32,400.
Under the Minor Works Scheme, funding is made available to all primary and special schools in Donegal on the following basis:
€5,500 basic grant plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil enrolled in the school on the 30th of September of the year prior to the issue of the grant. The €74 rate applies to a special needs pupil attending a special school or attending a special class attached to a mainstream school.
Schools have the autonomy to use this funding for maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds. Given that each school setting is different, individual schools are best placed to decide how best to use this funding to address their particular needs.
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