It was confirmed this week that every secondary school in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband for the 2014/2015 school year.

Minister Sean Sherlock has welcomed the announcement, saying that North Cork will benefit from this connectivity. 

The announcement pertains to Cork along with other counties in the Southern part of the country, including Waterford, Kerry and Tipperary. In total, nine counties and 270 schools are included in this announcement, to complement the 516 schools where high-speed broadband is already installed.

“This introduction of high speed broadband will have a significant impact on the way teachers can incorporate ICT in their daily teaching,” said Minister Sherlock.

“Having the necessary, future proofed internet will allow schools to collaborate online within their own institutions, along with school and universities right around the world. We are investing in new methods of teaching to improve this and future generations. It was a commitment in the Programme for Government and we are now completing the cornerstone of that reality,” he added.

“The development of the new Digital Strategy for Schools, will provide schools the roadmap on the optimum se of technology in the classroom,” stressed Minister Sherlock.

“The Department of Education and Skills is developing this strategy in consultation with schools, parents, industry and academics. We are looking to invest in our students who are tomorrow’s researchers and scientists. This connectivity is yet another helping hand for tomorrow’s industry and academic leaders. It is fitting also that it comes on the eve of the 50th BT Young Scientist, a cornerstone of the Irish schools system,” Minister Sherlock told The Avondhu.