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NextGenerationEU: Bridging the Digital Divide in Irish Schools

NextGenerationEU, the EU’s economic stimulus package to enable Member States to emerge stronger from the pandemic, is helping primary schools around Ireland to bridge the digital divide.

Michael Scully, Home School Liaison Teacher at St. Maries of the Isle Primary School, Cork

Launched by the European Union as a response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, NextGenerationEU is the EU’s economic stimulus package to enable Member States to emerge stronger from the pandemic, forging a Europe that works for everyone. The recovery fund aims to make Europe greener, more digital and more resilient.  

In Ireland, NextGeneration EU invested €64 million in the Digital Infrastructure for Schools programme. Across two separate funding projects — Provision of High-Speed Broadband Connectivity and ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Grant Funding — this programme addresses the digital divide within the Irish school community, ensuring all 3,240 primary schools across Ireland have equal access to technology and connectivity. The Provision of High-Speed Broadband funding connected 1,100 primary schools to high-speed broadband while the ICT Grant funding enabled schools to support their students through the provision of connectivity, devices and software.  

The NextGenerationEU-funded programme has ensured that any learners already at risk of educational disadvantages are not further impacted through lack of access to appropriate digital infrastructure. The funding is issued based on socio-economic data, enabling schools to support their more vulnerable learners. The project provides equal access to all necessary tools required for digital access and upskilling, internet connection, digital literacy and education around online safety. By developing their digital skills today, this investment from NextGenerationEU contributes to strengthening the sustainable growth potential, employment opportunities and resilience of Ireland’s young learners — building a brighter, more connected future for the up-and-coming generation.  

NextGenerationEU: Bridging the Digital Divide in Irish Schools - (en)
European Commission


Speaking about the NextGenerationEU’s Digital Infrastructure for Schools programme, Michael Scully, Home School Liaison Teacher at St. Maries of the Isle Primary School, Cork, says: 

“The programme has played a key role in bridging the gap in connectivity and digital infrastructure in our school community, ensuring that all students have equal access to technology. It helps us to eliminate slow or unreliable internet that can hinder lessons and limit resources.” 

Michael continues: 

“The programme has helped us to create a more dynamic and enriching learning experience for our students and prepares them for a future where digital skills are essential.” 

By bridging the digital divide in Irish schools, both students and teachers can enjoy a seamless digital experience, resulting in better learning opportunities and more engaged students. The lack of consistent, high-speed internet in Irish schools can be a major barrier to education, especially in schools involved in the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) programme. Not only does it reduce the accessibility of high-quality online lessons, but it also prevents students from learning digital skills – such as basic technology usage, online awareness and safety, and media literacy – which are crucial for today’s world as well as the student’s futures. 

“NextGenerationEU’s Digital Infrastructure for Schools programme has helped us to address this issue,” Michael says. “The programme helps to eliminate slow or unreliable internet that can hinder lessons and limit resources. It’s been great to witness the impact this project has had on our students and teachers. It’s allowed us to improve the efficiency of lessons, collaborative work and digital literacy – bring a modern edge to education.” 

Regarding the future impact on the school community and NextGenerationEU’s digital goals, Michael adds: 

“I hope that the project will allow students to be better prepared for the digital future, with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world. I hope it continues to support innovative teaching methods, ensuring that students are more engaged and motivated to learn, contributing to their sustainable growth potential, employment skills and resilience.” 

By funding projects like the Digital Infrastructure for Schools programme, NextGenerationEU is enhancing the education of today’s primary school students along with paving the way for a brighter, more digital and more connected future for Ireland.