The RISE Community Fund has awarded a cash grant to Ballycar National School in Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare, as part of its national programme to provide financial support to schools across Ireland throughout 2026.
Supporting technology investments that enhance digital learning and maximise the benefits of high-speed broadband connectivity, the RISE Community Fund is backed by National Broadband Ireland and partners involved in the delivery of the Government’s National Broadband Plan, including KPMG, DreamDev Technologies, TLI Group, Entegro, Obelisk and Circet.
Ballycar National School is small, rural primary school that has been at the heart of the Newmarket-on-Fergus community. The school is made up of a vibrant preschool, two mainstream classrooms, an SET (Special Education Teaching) classroom and a dedicated Autism Class. Ballycar National School places a strong emphasis on community and ensures every child is valued, included and encouraged to reach their full potential.
The RISE grant will support the school’s digital strategy and help purchase additional tablets for the pupils.
Mary Warren, Principal at Ballycar National School, said: “Reliable, high-speed broadband is essential to ensuring that every child has access to the digital opportunities needed to support their learning and development.
“At Ballycar National School, we are committed to providing an inclusive, engaging and modern learning environment where all pupils can reach their full potential. Improved connectivity would further enhance our ability to integrate digital technology into teaching and learning, support pupils with additional educational needs and prepare children for an increasingly digital world.
“This investment from the RISE Community Fund will make a meaningful difference to our school community and help ensure that our pupils have access to the same opportunities as children in larger, better-resourced settings.”
Established by David McCourt, the RISE Community Fund has awarded over 200 cash grants nationwide to rural schools, community groups, farms, small businesses and social enterprises seeking to use technology to scale the positive impact of their work.
David McCourt, Chairman of National Broadband Ireland and founder of the RISE Community Fund, added: “RISE is about making sure that communities have the tools to turn connectivity into opportunity. Schools such as Ballycar National School are preparing the next generation for an increasingly digital world.”
Through its 2026 national schools programme, RISE aims to ensure that children in rural Ireland can fully benefit from digital connectivity and develop the skills needed to thrive in a modern, technology-driven world.
Further information about the RISE Community Fund is available here.
