Christmas comes early for Kilkenny schools - over €1 million for IT and building works

More than €1 million has been announced for small-scale works and classroom technology supports in Kilkenny schools.

Leas Ceann Comhairle and Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow–Kilkenny, John McGuinness, has warmly welcomed today’s announcement by the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, of a €65 million national package of Minor Works and ICT grant funding for schools, highlighting in particular the substantial allocations confirmed for Kilkenny and Carlow.

Both grants now set to be paid annually on a December/January basis, giving schools certainty and clarity for planning and budgeting.

Welcoming the news, Deputy McGuinness said: “This is a very positive and practical investment in our schools, one that will make a real difference on the ground. I particularly welcome the certainty now being provided around the timing of these grants, which has been a long-standing issue for school principals and boards of management.”

Funding for Kilkenny and Carlow

Deputy McGuinness confirmed that under today’s announcement:

• Minor Works Grant funding

  • €600,000 for schools in Kilkenny

  • €400,000 for schools in Carlow

• ICT Grant funding

  • Kilkenny:

    • €400,000 for primary schools

    • €300,000 for post-primary schools

  • Carlow:

    • €300,000 for primary schools

    • €200,000 for post-primary schools

“These are very significant sums for both counties. The Minor Works funding will allow schools to address essential maintenance, health and safety issues, and small-scale improvements, while the ICT funding will support modern teaching and learning, digital literacy and the rollout of technology in classrooms,” Deputy McGuinness said.

Deputy McGuinness noted that the devolved nature of the Minor Works Grant ensures schools themselves decide how best to use the funding: “Every school is different, and principals and boards of management are best placed to know their own priorities. This funding gives them the flexibility to respond quickly to local needs and to plan improvements well in advance of the new school year.”

He also welcomed the continued commitment to ICT investment under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027: “Equipping our schools with modern ICT infrastructure is essential if we are to ensure that students in Kilkenny and Carlow have the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. This funding supports safer buildings, better learning environments and the development of critical digital skills.”

Deputy McGuinness concluded by welcoming the move to embed the December/January payment schedule into the annual grants calendar: “Providing certainty around when these grants will issue is just as important as the funding itself. It allows schools to budget properly and aligns with the increased capitation funding announced in Budget 2026. This is a sensible and welcome decision that will be of real benefit to school communities across Carlow and Kilkenny.”