Mayo secondary schools to get high speed broadband this year ^Featured

Deputy Mulherin has confirmed that priority is to be given to the schools in Mayo and that all will be connected before the end of this year.

Deputy Mulherin, the Chair of the Fine Gael Committee for, Communications, Energy and Natural Resources said: “I am delighted to announce that the Government has decided to connect high speed Broadband to every school in Ireland by the end of 2014.

"I have been pursuing the issue of the lack of broadband infrastructure in Mayo and particularly rural areas and arising from my own representations, priority has been given to the schools in Mayo, with the rollout in the county’s schools being completed by the end of this year.

“It has long been recognised that computers have revolutionised the way that classroom learning is delivered. A more thorough understanding of subjects is possible through pupil interaction with the vast array of information and software that is available.

"For example, animations and 3D simulations have been proven to rapidly improve the understanding of mathematical, technological and scientific concepts while digital content and communication platforms greatly enhance the learning of business and languages. To facilitate the use of these resources, it is vital that teachers and pupils have immediate access to high speed broadband.”

“The initiative is a partnership between several government departments and agencies and it proves once again that this government is committed to funding investment where a long term benefit is proven. Over the lifetime of the previous Fianna Fail-led administration, internet access went from being available to a small number of industry specialists to being an essential form of communication.

 

"Despite having some of the world’s biggest companies based here, the previous government refused to invest in the technical skills they required in their employees. With this investment, our school leavers will be educated to the highest standard and will continue to be attractive to multinational companies looking for overseas bases.”

“I would like to congratulate the schools of Mayo on their success and wish the pupils and teachers the very best as they reap the benefits of this investment.”

Mayo Schools to be connected to high-speed broadband this year:

 

Balla Secondary School, Balla	Castlebar
St Muredachs College, Sligo Road	Ballina
St. Mary's Secondary School, Convent of Mercy	Ballina
Our Lady's Secondary School	Belmullet
St. Geralds College, Newport Road	Castlebar
Naomh Iosaef, Clochar na Trócaire	Caisleán An Bharraigh
St Josephs Secondary School	Charlestown
Coláiste Cholmáin	Claremorris
Mount St Michael, Convent of Mercy	Claremorris
Jesus & Mary Secondary School, Gortnor Abbey	Crossmolina
St Joseph's Secondary School	Foxford
Sancta Maria College	Louisburgh
Scoil Muire Agus Padraig	Swinford
Coláiste Mhuire	Tuar Mhic Éadaigh
Rice College, Castlebar Road	Westport
Sacred Heart School	Westport
Moyne College	Ballina
St. Brendan's College	Belmullet
St. Tiernan's College, Crossmolina	Ballina
St. Patrick's College, Lacken Cross	Killala
Colaiste Chomain, Rossport	Ballina
Carrowbeg College	Westport
Ballinrobe Community College	Ballinrobe
McHale College, Achill Sound	Westport Amalgamating
Scoil Damhnait, Gob a'Choire	Acaill Amalgamating