Introduction and Purpose
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 is underpinned by an investment of some €200m committed to in the National Development Plan 2021-2030, providing continuity of funding following the €210m that issued to schools to support the previous strategy. Grant funding of €100m from the NDP commitment of €200m has issued to schools under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, including €50m that issued in April 2024. €35m is issuing now in the form of a grant payment to all eligible schools. Information on the background to this scheme and the rates and eligibility for this funding is set out below.
This payment will be issued to school bank accounts over the coming weeks. Schools do not have to apply for this grant funding. As outlined in previous circulars for Digital Strategy ICT Grant Funding, schools are required to have Digital Learning Plans in place. The digital learning plan is a strategic document designed to guide and enhance the embedding of digital technology into teaching, learning, and assessment practices. Developed in line with the digital learning framework it assists schools in identifying needs and setting priorities as part of the school improvement process, including ICT infrastructure and professional learning and which underpin the use of the ICT grant funding provided.
The digital leaning plans enhance this support and inform training and support needs. Future issues of grant funding for ICT infrastructure may require submission of these Plans, and it is intended to select a small representative sample of schools to provide their digital learning plans for review following this grant issue. The intention of the review will be to inform how best to assist schools in their digital learning planning, and to ensure the funding is being used effectively and appropriately. The selected schools will be contacted in due course and supported to provide their digital learning plans. Further information on Digital Learning Planning is provided at this link