- Libraries to use funding to reach out to older people, marginalised and disadvantaged groups
- Digital apps to assist people with low literacy levels, learning differences, visual or hearing impairments.
- Ministers praise role played by libraries during Covid-19 Pandemic
Older people, families with low literacy skills and disadvantaged and marginalised groups are to benefit from a funding package of €713,500 that will be channelled through the country’s libraries.
Some €650,000 will be provided from the 2020 Dormant Accounts Action Plan and €63,500 will be provided from Libraries funding, which is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The funding has a specific focus and is aimed at groups such as the elderly, the Traveller Community, those with disabilities and people living in Direct Provision.
Part of the funding will be used to purchase literacy/numeracy digital skills licences/apps to assist people with low literacy levels, learning differences, visual or hearing impairments.
Other examples that the funding will be used for include:
- Classes for older people to learn to use to use WhatsApp and Zoom
- Provision of musical sessions for young members of the Traveller Community
- Initiatives aimed at members of the Deaf and Blind Community and people with disabilities
- Workshops in coding and robotics for children from DEIS schools
The funding was announced today by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD.
Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:
“This funding will have real positive benefits for so many people. I am delighted that this funding has been allocated to libraries across the country. The last few months have been very difficult and any funding which helps our libraries to reach out and engage with communities is most welcome.