The recent announcement by Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, of a €65 million investment in schools marks a significant and timely step forward in enhancing digital learning and infrastructure across Ireland. With €35 million allocated for ICT infrastructure and a further €30 million for minor works, schools are being given a unique opportunity to modernise how they teach, learn, and assess.
This investment is part of the broader Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, a national plan to embed digital capabilities across all levels of post-primary education. For principals, TY coordinators, ICT leads, and school management teams, this is a prime moment to act.
Understanding the ICT Grant
The ICT portion of the funding includes a €2,000 base grant for each eligible school, plus a per-pupil allocation. For example, a 500-student post-primary school could receive approximately €17,200. The funding is designed to be flexible, giving schools autonomy to invest in solutions that best meet their local needs. However, knowing where to start — and how to make the greatest impact — can be daunting.
That’s where strategic guidance and proven solutions can make all the difference.
3 Smart Ways to Use the ICT Funding
1. Adopt a 1:1 Student Device Model
Giving every student their own device supports personalised learning, independent study, and digital fluency — all critical for success in a tech-driven world. With the increase in continuous assessment and digital project work, students need the right tools from day one. Olive for Education supports schools with fully managed student device programmes that are secure, affordable, and easy to roll out.
2. Upgrade or Replace Shared Classroom Sets
Many schools rely on older, shared classroom devices that are no longer fit for purpose. Investing in updated 2-in-1 laptops and secure charging carts can dramatically improve access, reliability, and usage. Olive’s Classroom Bundles make it easy for schools to modernise without increasing administrative burden.
3. Invest in Digital Learning Resources
Technology is only as powerful as the learning it enables. That’s why many schools are using their ICT grants to adopt digital tools that align with curriculum goals. Olive for Education’s Learning Wallet includes:
- Tutorials 365 – Over 2,000 curriculum-aligned video lessons
- Life Skills 365 – Over 150 real-world skills courses for TY, LCA and beyond
- Vidaipro – AI powered digital learning and creative media tools
- Social Ties – a secure, school-managed social platform
These tools support both teachers and students while helping schools meet the evolving demands of the curriculum — especially around digital project work, portfolio building, and wellbeing.
How Olive for Education Can Help
Olive for Education is already supporting over 10,000 students and 50+ schools across Ireland with digital learning solutions designed for real classrooms. Whether you’re starting your digital journey or scaling your existing tech infrastructure, our team can help you with:
- Strategic Planning: We collaborate with school leaders to develop tailored digital strategies aligning with educational goals.
- Budgeting Guidance: Our team provides insights on optimal fund allocation to ensure sustainable investments.
- Deployment Support: From device setup to teacher training, we ensure a smooth integration of technology into your school’s ecosystem.
Ready to Start Planning?
This round of ICT funding is more than a one-off opportunity – it’s a chance to make lasting, meaningful improvements to teaching and learning in your school.
If you’d like advice or a tailored proposal for your school, we’d love to help.
📩 letstalk@oliveforeducation.ie
For more details on the funding announcement, visit the Department of Education’s official release.
