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25 Mar 2026
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25 Mar 2026
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A number of Leitrim schools will receive additional funding and support according to an announcement from the Department of Education on Wednesday.
The announcement will see enhanced support delivered to a number of DEIS and non-DEIS schools in the county, including Lough Allen College, Drumkeerin; Scoil Mhuire, Carrick-on-Shannon; Gaelscoil Chluainín, Manorhamilton; and Masterson National School, Manorhamilton.
Over 120 disadvantaged schools nationally will receive additional support under the DEIS Plus scheme, which is aimed at reducing child poverty and will begin being rolled out from this coming September.
The supports include over 400 additional staff nationally, as well as additional Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) resources for schools across County Leitrim.
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The extra supports would make a “real and lasting difference” to students and their families, according to Leitrim Councillor James Gilmartin.
“For many families, particularly in rural areas, barriers such as transport, isolation, or lack of access to services can make it more difficult to engage with schools.”
The Home School Community Liaison service provides support to children learning by organising for a member of school staff to conduct home visits, parent classes/courses (recreational and educational), transition programmes, and offers information on other family supports available locally.
“By strengthening the Home School Community Liaison service, we are giving families the support they need to fully engage with their children’s education,” he said.
He also noted that the expansion of supports to non-DEIS schools is a significant and welcome development.
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“This is a progressive step that acknowledges the changing nature of disadvantage. Schools that may not traditionally have been included in DEIS are now being recognised for the challenges they face, and that is hugely important for counties like Leitrim.”
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