€970k for Kerry in ICT school fund

SCHOOLS in Kerry will receive more than €970,000 for computer equipment under an ICT (information and communication technology) infrastructure grant, according to an announcement by the Department of Education and Skills, and Minister Brendan Griffin TD.

The allocation, to be received by all schools built prior to 2014, is part of a €30million national package for primary and post-primary schools, announced to coincide with Internet Safety Week.

More than 155 schools in the county will benefit from the €973,000 in funds. The grant can be spent on desktop PCs; laptops; tablets; hybrid devices; projectors; cloud-based tools; software applications; and learning platforms. The grants can range in value from €4,100 for a 100-pupil school to €33,000 for a 1,000-pupil school. Kerry’s allocation is the 10th highest in the country.

Kerry-based Fine Gael Junior Minister Brendan Griffin welcomed the announcement, saying that investment in ICT, alongside the introduction of coding and computer science into the curriculum, is crucial .

“I know this will make a huge difference to school communities at both primary and secondary level across Kerry, and will help equip children and teenagers with the skills they need for the future,” Minister Griffin said.

“Digital technology can transform the way people learn, encouraging curiosity, exploration and creative thinking. These are the capabilities our young people will need in the future.

“Critical, creative thinking, problem solving skills and adaptability will be key to flourishing in this environment and we need to make sure our young people are well prepared.”