Mayo to receive investment to improve adult literacy and numeracy
The funding will help deliver four projects across the Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim region, supporting adults and families to build essential skills.
Significant funding of €47,489 has been allocated to community literacy projects across Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim, with a number of Mayo initiatives set to benefit from the investment aimed at improving literacy, numeracy, digital, and financial literacy skills.
The funding was announced by Minister James Lawless and Minister Marian Harkin as part of the national Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Collaboration and Innovation Fund 2026.
The funding will help deliver four projects across the Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim region, supporting adults and families to build essential skills and participate more fully in education, employment, and community life.
Welcoming the investment, Minister Marian Harkin said the projects would help make literacy services more accessible and contribute to a more inclusive society.
“I’m really pleased to hear about the wonderful work that is taking place across the country. These innovative projects in Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim are helping people access essential literacy services and contributing towards our goal of a more inclusive society for all,” she said.
Minister Harkin highlighted that literacy remains a challenge for one in five adults aged between 16 and 65 who struggle with everyday reading.
“The Collaboration and Innovation Fund is a vital investment in community projects that make a real difference in helping adults develop literacy, numeracy, digital, and financial skills so they can participate fully in society and reach their potential,” she added.
Minister James Lawless said literacy was fundamental to both personal and economic development.
“Our Government and Department remain committed to helping all adults improve their literacy through the implementation of the Adult Literacy for Life strategy. The Collaboration and Innovation Fund is a brilliant example of the importance of partnerships in delivering this work across Ireland,” he said.
Roisin Egan, Regional Literacy Coordinator at Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim ETB, said that the Strategy sets out a clear plan to support adults who have unmet literacy needs across Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim, and throughout Ireland.
“The Collaboration and Innovation Fund supports local groups to work together and try new ideas at community level. It helps organisations across Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim to develop practical projects that respond to unmet local literacy needs.
“I am delighted that four projects in this region have received funding this year. These projects will help adults build confidence in their everyday skills and take part more fully in work, learning, and community life, “ she said.