Post-Primary Schools nationwide to receive High-Speed Broadband

Dublin, 25th June 2009

Communications Minister Eamon Ryan TD today launched the 100mpbs Post Primary Schools Project, which will deliver high-speed broadband connectivity to second level schools across the country. An investment of some €16 million for the first seventy-eight schools taking part in the Project was announced at the Digital Hub Learning Studio today.

Under the existing Schools Broadband Programme, primary and post-primary schools in Ireland can access a basic level of broadband connectivity. The 100mpbs Post Primary Schools Project marks the next phase in the Government’s ambition to develop our schools as world-class centres of e-learning and to educate the next generation of knowledge workers and digital entrepreneurs.

Launching the new Programme, Minister Ryan said, “Today we are laying one of the foundation stones of Ireland’s new Knowledge Society. Providing our schools with high-speed wireless connectivity opens up a whole new world of learning for our children.

We are taking online learning out of the confines of the computer room. In classrooms and corridors, students and teachers will potentially be able to carry out interactive chemistry experiments and access demonstrations and exhibitions from all over the world.  

A class learning French in Dublin could talk in real time with a class in France. A leaving Cert Physics student will be able to take part in Ivy League lectures and experiments. With this level of connectivity, the opportunities for interaction and collaboration are unlimited.”

Schools have been selected against various criteria including geographical location, and an adequate mix of schools to ensure broad social inclusion. The speeds available are similar to those that are being offered to high-end national and multinational companies that operate in Ireland. They allow for the quick upload and download of material, instant connection to websites, and the increased and varied use of online applications.

“We must equip our students with the skills and creativity they need to thrive in the new digital world we are entering”, said Minister Ryan. “There is no surer way of preparing them than by bringing the Internet right into their place of learning and allowing them to experiment and interact online.

Today’s announcement opens a door to them, to take part in Ireland’s digital future”.

This project is the result of cooperation between the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Department of Education and Science, the Higher Education Authority, HEAnet and the National Centre for Technology in Education.

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has begun a tender process for broadband service providers. It is expected that numerous service providers will be involved. The tender will be accessible at: www.e-tenders.gov.ie  

The Schools which will receive 100mpbs Broadband connections are: