Scoil Naomh Pádraig receives cash grant from RISE to invest in new technology

Scoil Naomh Pádraig in Drumfries has received a quick cash injection to invest in new technology, thanks to the RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI).

Established by NBI Chairman David McCourt, RISE has awarded more than 150 cash grants nationwide to rural organisations seeking to boost their digital ecosystems.

The latest funding in Drumfries follows a recent call for entries announced as part of NBI’s national roadshow, which visited locations where its new high-speed fibre broadband network under the Government’s National Broadband Plan is already delivering significant benefits for rural communities.

“As a small rural school, we take great pride in empowering our pupils with the very best opportunities,” Sorcha Harkin, principal at Scoil Naomh Pádraig, said. “With this grant from RISE and NBI, we’re investing in new tablet devices as part of our efforts to accelerate reading in the school. Using technology helps us to differentiate activities to suit the needs of every pupil and makes assessments highly personalised.

“We’re extremely grateful to RISE and NBI for this grant, which means a great deal to our school community.”

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With an investment of €128 million, more than 34,000 homes, farms, businesses and schools in Donegal are included in NBI’s rollout of the National Broadband Plan.

Visiting Drumfries, David McCourt, chairman of NBI and founder of RISE, explained why he was keen to come to the area and give back to the community with grants.

“We’re delighted to have had this opportunity to meet with a fantastic array of community groups in Donegal and give a financial boost to those who really want to capitalise on their new high-speed connectivity,” Mr McCourt said. “Scoil Naomh Pádraig is a fantastic example of a school looking to embrace new technologies to improve the effectiveness of education with the use of technology.”

The school’s deputy principal, Áine Doherty, said that the recent connection to the fibre broadband network provided by NBI allowed the school to fully utilise technology in the classroom, enabling pupils and staff to use their Chromebooks, tablets and interactive whiteboards without disruption.

Mr McCourt was in Donegal for a series of engagements associated with the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards, which take place in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel on Friday.

The Boston native, who was a recipient of the award in 2024, told DonegalLive.ie that he had been particularly proud to receive it as his first ‘real’ job was working for the late Tip O’Neill.

“It was hugely emotional for me to come full circle and to receive that award,” he said. “I’m glad that Ireland still focuses on its diaspora. The countries that forget that don’t do as well as the small handful of countries, and Ireland is one, that remember the people who left and stay connected to them - not only because they might be able to help you out financially, but because they help you out emotionally as well. They carry the values of Ireland around the world.”

Tom O’Neill (left) pictured with David McCourt. The pair were in Buncrana for the 2025 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards.

NBI recently announced that 24,854 premises across County Donegal can already avail of a high-speed connection on its new fibre network.

The entire Inishowen Peninsula is now ready for service, with 2,801 premises in Carndonagh, 1,654 in Moville and 1,983 in Buncrana. Take-up of NBI’s fibre broadband has surpassed 60% in areas where the network has been live the longest.

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer at National Broadband Ireland, added: “We’re delighted to be partnered with the RISE Community Fund and giving back to the communities we serve with the rollout of the National Broadband Plan. We recognise that access to high-speed fibre broadband is a critical first step, but when it’s combined with access to funding, training, technology and mentorship, it’s truly game-changing. That’s why we’re excited to support Scoil Naomh Pádraig with this latest grant and their plans to use technology to introduce new digital learning initiatives.”

NBI is reminding Donegal residents to visit www.nbi.ie to check whether their home, farm or business is included in the National Broadband Plan and to sign up for Eircode-specific updates on the rollout.

To read more about the RISE Community Fund at visit the Rise Global Foundation website.