New grants available for music education in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown schools

New grants are available for music education in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown schools, and local music groups and organisations should apply, Fine Gael Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll has said.

Councillor O’Driscoll, has encouraged local groups to apply for the Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme, which was announced by the Minister for Education, Helen McEntee TD.

O’Driscoll said, “The Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme is now open for applications to help organisations provide music education in schools.

“A total of €100,000 is available in grants which allow organisations with limited or no access to other forms of public funding to pay for music classes, instruments and other equipment. 

“This Scheme has helped children’s choirs, concert bands, brass bands, folk orchestras, uilleann pipers and more. It is targeted at smaller organisations involved in non-mainstream music education and community music initiatives who cater for socio-economically disadvantaged groups.

“I encourage Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown music groups and organisations with a track record in music education or community and youth-based music projects, to apply. These grants can help them provide invaluable music education to children in our local schools.”

Minister McEntee said: “It is vital that we provide our children and young learners with every opportunity to express themselves and show their creativity. Music education is one of the many holistic ways in which we can support children and young people in our communities to achieve their full potential.

“Today I am announcing a total grant fund of €100,000 which will enable organisations to continue to make music classes available to children and young people in their communities so they can have the chance to express themselves and explore their creativity while developing new skills.” 

Interested and eligible organisations are invited to make their applications for grant funding under the Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme 2025 by 10 April 2025. 

Click here for the application form