DEIS funding boost for nine Co Longford schools

In what is the most extensive overhaul of the DEIS funding model for schools, a further nine Co Longford schools have been approved for DEIS status.

The news has been welcomed by Longford TD, Joe Flaherty, who said:  “After extensive discussions with the Dept of Education, I can confirm that two secondary schools and a number of national schools have been approved for DEIS status. This is the most significant investment in the DEIS funding model for schools since it was launched in 2015 and Budget 2022 included €18m for the expansion of the programme.”

Under the DEIS programme, schools are able to access significantly more funding and teachers to tackle education disadvantage. It also provides access to the home schools community liaison officers programme as well as access and funding for the schools’ completion programme.

Explained Deputy Flaherty: “The inclusion of secondary schools, Mean Scoil Mhuire and St Mel’s College means all three Longford town secondary schools  now have DEIS status and this ensures a continuity of supports and services for pupils transitioning  from DEIS supported national schools.”

Longford town national schools, St John’s and Stonepark have now been included in the DEIS model along with  Newtownforbes NS and St Bernard’s in Abbeylara.

Added Deputy Flaherty: “Following the closure of ESB and Bord na Mona operations in the Lanesboro area, I had made extensive representations to have Lanesboro NS, Cloontagh NS and Clontuskert NS included in the DEIS  programme  and I was delighted to get confirmation from Minister Norma Foley today that all three schools are included.”

Finally, as one of the fastest-growing communities and schools in the country, Deputy Flaherty said it was critically important that Edgeworthstown NS was upgraded from Rural  DEIS status to Urban band 2 status. The Longford TD was delighted to see this confirmed in today’s announcement.