Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton has announced a standardised payment period for the annual Minor Works and ICT grant funding for schools, providing clarity and certainty for budgeting and planning. The payments will now be incorporated into the annual grant payments calendar, with the €30 million Minor Works Grant issued in December 2025 and the €35 million ICT Grant issued in January 2026. This approach allows schools to plan for maintenance, small-scale improvements, and the integration of ICT into teaching and learning.
The Minor Works Grant will support primary and special schools in maintaining and improving school buildings and grounds, including mechanical and electrical upgrades, furniture, educational equipment, ventilation improvements, and enhancements to outdoor learning environments. Schools have autonomy in deciding how to use these funds to meet their specific needs, reflecting their individual priorities. Since 2020, €310 million in Minor Works and Enhanced Minor Works Grants has been allocated to schools.
The ICT Grant, part of the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, will enable schools to embed digital technologies in teaching, learning, and assessment. Funding supports the implementation of digital learning plans, Acceptable Use Policies, and additional top-ups for DEIS schools to address specific challenges. The grant aims to develop 21st-century skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication among students. Funding allocations are based on school size and type, ensuring tailored support for mainstream, special, and DEIS schools.
This standardised payment schedule aligns with broader government strategies, including the National Development Plan and EU Digital Education Plan, and complements recent increases in capitation funding. The Minor Works and ICT grants together aim to enhance the learning environment, improve school infrastructure, and ensure students gain essential digital skills to thrive in a modern society. The December/January lead-in period allows schools to plan their budgets effectively, ensuring optimal use of resources for both maintenance and digital innovation.
