ICT Grant Funding 2026: What Irish Schools Can Use It For

The ICT Grant Funding for 2026 provides Irish schools with dedicated funding to support digital learning and ICT infrastructure. The funding is issued automatically to eligible schools and is intended to help schools invest in technology that supports teaching, learning, and assessment. Understanding what the ICT grant can be used for is essential, as schools must be able to justify spending in line with their Digital Learning Plan and Department of Education guidance.

What Is the ICT Grant Funding 2026?

The ICT Grant Funding forms part of the Department of Education’s Digital Strategy for Schools. In 2026, funding is paid directly to school bank accounts, without the need for an application.

Schools are expected to:

●     Have an up-to-date Digital Learning Plan
●     Use funding for approved ICT infrastructure
●     Retain records of expenditure for accountability

What Can ICT Grant Funding Be Used For?

ICT Grant funding can be used for ICT infrastructure that supports teaching and learning. Common approved categories include:

Classroom Technology

●     Interactive boards and flat panels
●     Projectors and display technologies
●     Teaching computers and class room devices

Devices for Learners

●     Laptops, tablets, or shared devices
●     Equipment supporting differentiated learning

Printing & ICT Infrastructure

●     Printers and multifunction devices
●     Networking equipment and cabling
●     ICT equipment supporting class room and school operations

Software & Digital Platforms

●     Learning platforms and cloud-based tools
●     Education software and applications

What the ICT Grant Cannot Be Used For

While the ICT grant is flexible, it is limited to ICT infrastructure. Schools should avoid using funding for:

●     General building works
●     Furniture not linked to ICT
●     Non-digital classroom equipment

Spending should always align with the school’s Digital Learning Plan.

Why Planning Matters

Many schools make ICT purchases reactively, which can lead to:

●     Inconsistent classroom technology
●     Limited teacher adoption
●     Higher long-term support effort

Planning ICT grant spend early allows schools to:

●     Make confident, compliant decisions
●     Align technology with teaching needs

Avoid rushed or fragmented purchases

Checklist: Is a Purchase Suitable for ICT Grant Funding?

Before committing ICT grant funding, schools should ask:

●     Does this support teaching, learning, or assessment?
●     Is it included in our Digital Learning Plan?
●     Can we justify this spend if reviewed?
●     Is installation, training, and support considered?

If the answer is yes, the purchase is likely appropriate.

ICT Grant Funding 2026 offers schools a valuable opportunity to strengthen digital learning environments. The key is not simply spending the funding, but planning it well.

Bryan S Ryan supports Irish schools in planning and delivering classroom technology that works in practice, including Prowise interactive boards and reliable, cost-effective printing solutions. For schools looking for guidance at the planning stage, you can email salessupport@bsr.ie or call (01) 404 7900 to speak with the team.

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